World Cup group H: Colombia vs. Japan team news, kick-off time and TV channel

Expect an attacking match at the Mordovia
Arena in Saransk

One-Minute Read

First up is a group H clash against Japan, a team they beat 4-1
in 2014. Led by talisman James Rodriguez, Jose Pekerman’s
Colombia will “have to perform well against a team that can never
be taken lightly” says Fifa.com reporter Alejandra Rueda.

She writes: “The Argentinian coach wants his players to start
off the tournament on the right foot and victory would certainly
give Los Cafeteros a major morale boost.”

Rodriguez, the Golden Boot winner in 2014, will provide
support to a Colombian attack featuring Radamel Falcao, who is
making his World Cup debut. Tottenham’s Davinson Sanchez will
marshall the defence.

Japan’s new coach Akira Nishino will “stay true to his attacking
approach”, says Fifa.com reporter Hidetoshi Suzuki, and will be
“undaunted by the firepower possessed by Colombia”.

Suzuki writes: “In recent training sessions, he has
hammered home that he wants his players to take risks and look to
score goals. Nevertheless, regardless of the Samurai Blue’s game
plan and tactical set-up, their midfield will be the centre of
attention, with Makoto Hasebe and Gaku Shibasaki linking play with
aplomb while Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa strive to make things
happen going forward, particularly on the counter
attack.”

Possible starting XIs

How the teams could line up for the match in Saransk, according
to Fifa.com:

• Colombia (4-4-2): David Ospina; Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina,
  Davinson Sanchez, Johan Mojica; Abel Aguilar, Carlos Sanchez, Juan
  Cuadrado, James Rodriguez; Luis Muriel, Radamel Falcao
• Japan (4-5-1): Eiji Kawashima; Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida,
  Tomoaki Makino, Yuto Nagatomo; Makoto Hasebe, Gaku Shibasaki, Genki
  Haraguchi, Keisuke Honda, Takashi Inui; Yuya Osako

Group H fixtures and live TV
channels

• 19 June: Colombia vs. Japan (1pm, BBC); Poland vs. Senegal
  (4pm, ITV) 
• 24 June: Japan vs. Senegal (4pm, BBC); Poland vs. Colombia
  (7pm, ITV) 
• 28 June: Senegal vs. Colombia (3pm, BBC); Japan vs. Poland
  (3pm, BBC)