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Not much at stake here for Colombia, as they already secured the first place in Group C, but Japan has an opportunity to get that second place as long as they win this and Ivory Coast loses or even draws with Greece.
I expected more from Japan to be honest, especially in the 0-0 draw against Greece when they had an extra man on the pitch for a long time. The Asians were so impressive in the qualifiers and pre-world cup friendlies, playing attacking and effective football, but the World Cup seems to be a different level. They did play pretty well against Ivory Coast and were unlucky to lose, but the draw against Greece was horrible given the circumstances. Japan has a great attacking trio with Honda, Kagawa and Okazaki, they must use it today if they are to stand any chance of advancing.
Colombia was utterly dominant in this Group, their win was never put to question against both Greece (3-0) and Ivory Coast (2-1). Even without Falcao, Colombia showed some great attacking display and was pretty solid on the defensive end as well. Even with nothing left to fight for, they will surely try their best to make it 3 out of 3 wins in the group stage and the odds suggest they are favorites to do just that.
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Team news & lineups
Hasebe is doubtful for Japan but he should start. Colombia has no squad problems, but they will give some substitutes a chance to play in this one.
Japan: Kawashima – Konno, Uchida, Yoshida, Nagatomo – Hasebe, Honda, Yamaguchi, Kagawa – Okubo, Osako
Colombia: Ospina – Armero, Arias, Zapata, Aguilar – Guarin, Sanchez, Vargas – Bacca, Martinez, Rodriguez
Japan has one of the best counterattacking potential there is in football, the Asians are so fast and effective up front with that Kagawa – Honda – Okazaki trio. They had a 17-10 goal difference in the last 6 matches prior to the World Cup, they proved their goal scoring potential in the Confederations Cup as well. They had a tough time creating chances when they were forced to dominate the game against Greece, but today Colombia will hold the ball and the japanese players can get the breaks they love so much. I can see this match going over – Japan must win, Colombia will play freely, so expect the match to be played on the breaks, with a lot of open spaces and a fair a number of goal opportunities -as both sides are very able offensively. My tip is over 2,5 goals. Prediction: Japan – Colombia 2-2.
Pick: over 2,5 goals
Odds: 2.05 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8.4
Event date: 24 June
