2014 FIFA World Cup Preview, Date and Predictions: Japan vs. Colombia
Japan and Columbia are duking it out in the 2014 FIFA World Cup's Group C when the two meet Tuesday.
So far, Group C has been dominated by Colombia, who is 2-0 with a group leading six points. Japan and Greece haven't been able to register a victory yet, but they did tie with each other. Ivory Coast is still alive and currently in second place. If Ivory Coast is able to win against Greece and Colombia loses, there is a small chance that Ivory Coast can steal the group. Ivory Coast would have to win the game by at least four goals for this to even be possible.
Colombia and Japan will face one another in a game that could determine Group C. Latin Post.com breaks down the teams and likely winner of this Tuesday showdown in Brazil:
Colombia
This squad has already earned their spot in the knockout round, having won both their games against Ivory Coast and Greece. James Rodriguez has been playing fantastically and currently leads the team with two goals. Columbia hasn't qualified for the round of 16 since 1990, so this will break a long drought for the South American nation.
Colombia is ranked No. 8 overall, and their head coach is José Pékerman, who previously coached the Argentina team. Although Colombia is the superior team, they may not play to their potential knowing they've nearly clinched the top seed in Group C and have don't have much to gain. Despite the inexperience from the goalkeepers, David Ospina has only allowed one goal so far. Most of that is due to their elite defenders, such as Mario Yepes.
Japan
For Japan, this game is everything. The Japanese are 0-1-1, which includes a loss to Ivory Coast. In order for Japan to advance, they would have to defeat Colombia and need Greece to beat Ivory Coast afterwards. Japan does not control its own destiny going forward, which is a scary thing in sports.
This Japanese squad ranks No. 46 in the world, and its offense usually holds them back. Japan has only managed to score one goal in the first two games, and that includes getting shutout against Greece. This team has a talented middle field with Makoto Hasebe and Yasuhito Endó, but forward Keisuke Honda has the only goal scored for this team so far. Japan may benefit from the fact that Colombia has already clinched a berth in the knockout round, so they might not play to their fullest. Regardless, Japan needs to play this game like it's the last because it just might be the last for another four years.
Where and when to watch
Japan and Colombia will play each other at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá in front of over 40,000 fans. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST Tuesday, with coverage on ESPN. Fans can watch the game online with WatchESPN.
Prediction
Obviously Colombia is the better team, but Japan is more desperate. Japan will put up a fight, but Colombia will want to prove to everyone, especially Brazilian spectators, that this team is among the best in the world. Colombia wins win 2-1.
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