Two familiar nemesis get set to face off each other again as Japan play host to Colombia at Kangawa’s Nissan Stadium for the opening fixture of the Kirin Challenge Cup.
Japan are still trying to cope with their shock defeat to Qatar in the AFC Asian Cup Final and this will be the first chance for them to get themselves back on track. They were poised to win the Asian Cup but amidst all odds, they succumbed at the last hurdle to a much lower ranked opponent, Qatar. Next big thing for them will be the Copa America which is due this summer. Colombia have become quite a familiar opponent for them now having faced each other in two back to back World Cups.
Colombia will be focused on continuing their unbeaten rebuilding run after their horrific showing at the FIFA World Cup in Russia. Colombia might well be upbeat considering their squad strength and they’ll be desperate to make amends for their defeat to the Blue Samurais in Russia. They too will be having one eye on next summer’s Copa America and coach, Carlos Queiroz will be eager to make the most of this major opportunity to shape up his team in the best possible way.
When and Where?
Kanagawa’s Nissan Stadium, also known as the International Stadium Yokohama, is all set to host the match on Friday, 22nd March 2019, from 3:50 PM.
Where to watch COL vs JPN Live?
The match can be streamed live on the Sony LIV app and website and will also be broadcasted live on Sony Ten Network starting from 3:50 PM IST on Friday, 22nd March 2019.
Colombia: W W D W D
Japan: L W W W W
Colombia Won – 2
Japan Won – 1
Drawn – 1
Colombia
Japan
Colombia:
Vargas (GK); Borja, Yerry Mina, Davison Sanchez, Palacios; Uribe, Barios, James Rodriguez, Villa, Diaz; Radamel Falcao
Japan
Nakamura (GK); Anzai, Shoji, Miura, Sasaki; Yamaguchi, Shibasaki; Usami, Doan, Kagawa, Minamino
Colombia
Japan
Colombia and Japan both will be eyeing a resurrection, though from entirely different downfalls. Both are ready to undergo a new reign under their new coaches. Both are pretty much equal on paper. But as is the case mostly in football, form stands with the men in yellow from Colombia. Considering that sole difference, we expect the final scoreline to read Colombia 2-0 Japan.
Team 1:
Correction: R Doan has 8.5 Credit Points.
Team 2:
Correction: S Kagawa is in JPN and S Vila is in COL.