Japan take on a Colombia side already guaranteed of qualification for the knockout stages of the World Cup this evening in Fortaleza and they will be hoping that the Cafeteros take a relaxed approach to the game.
Colombia need just a draw to secure their position at the top of Group C whereas Japan know that only a favourable result in the Ivory Coast-Greece game and defeating the Cafeteros would see them through. An Ivorian win will see the Blue Samurai fail to qualify. In the event of an Ivorian draw only a Japanese win by a two-goal margin would see the Asians go through.
Colombia coach Jose Pekerman is likely to rest several key names knowing that their position at the top of the group is a strong one, including veteran captain Mario Yepes and the electrifying winger Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, who has been one of the outstanding players of the tournament.
Japan, knowing only a win will do, could recall Shinji Kagawa, who was benched against Greece, in order to boost their poor attacking feats so far throughout the tournament; they have registered just six shots on target in their opening two group games. Much hope will be pinned on their star man Keisuke Honda once again, scorer of their only goal at this World Cup.
The two nations have only met twice before, with Colombia edging a 1-0 win in the 2003 Confederations Cup courtesy of a Giovanni Hernandez goal and the other meeting was a goalless draw in a 2007 friendly. The Japanese have also failed to beat any South American opposition during their World Cup history.
The Cafeteros will start the game as clear favourites and their high tempo and quick counter attacking style will pose a real threat to the Japanese defence and it is hard to see anything other than a comfortable Colombian victory.
