Four continents in a group and all still had the potential to progress. The Colombians were by far the most convincing, smashing Greece while running at 50% and edging out Ivory Coast. By contrast, Japan had disappointed, surrendering their lead against Ivory Coast and unable to even test a ten-man Greek side. With Colombia already through though, Japan’s chances were looking up. Jose Pekerman made wholesale changes to his team, also changing to a 4-3-3 shape, while Alberto Zaccheroni brought back Shinji Kagawa on the left and gave Toshihiro Aoyama his first start in a 4-2-3-1, leaving Yuya Osako and Hotaru Yamaguchi on the bench. Japan were much the same as they have been in every game so far: providing some nice passing moves and technical interplay, but rarely creating any real chances. The Colombian midfield were keeping close to each of their opposite number, with Alexander Mejia sticking particularly close to Keisuke Honda. Colombia semi-regularly formed a back five when Honda moved forward into striking positions, opening up space in front of that defensive line for his teammates to make use of seeing as he was too closely marked to have much of a say. Japan’s hopes took a […]
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