Japan - Colombia Preview: Pekerman's side aim for perfect record

The coach has seen his side win convincingly twice and will look to head into the knockout stages with the confidence of three straight group victories

Japan have disappointed in their opening two games and there is a sense that they have failed to reach their potential. As reigning Asian Cup holders they were expected to lead the challenge from the east but even with star players who feature for some of Europe's pre-eminent teams, Alberto Zaccheroni's side have simply failed to get going.

The Samurai Blue are on the brink of elimination from the tournament after being beaten by Cote d'Ivoire in their opener before being held by 10-man Greece last time out. 

They had plenty of the ball in both matches but fell short when it came to creating chances. Playmaker Shinji Kagawa has looked out of sorts and is yet to complete 90 minutes while the ongoing issue of finding a reliable striker persists. 

With one point from two matches and the runaway group leaders to play, Japan's 2014 challenge looks in danger of going out with a whimper. 

There is still slight hope of course. Should Cote d'Ivoire lose to Greece and Japan defeat Colombia then they will squeak through to the knockout stages. Should the African side and the Greeks play out a draw then Japan need to beat Colombia by two goals - no easy feat given the two sides' contrasting form in the group so far. 

Playing some of the best football and boasting some of the best individual talent at these finals, Jose Pekerman's Colombia are certainly living up to their billing as tournament dark horses. They overwhelmed Greece with their creative power and demonstrated important resoluteness in holding off the challenge of Cote d'Ivoire. 

Juan Cuadrado and James Rodriguez have stood out in a tournament brimming with attacking intent to help los Cafeteros seal a first knockout place in 24 years with a game to spare. 

Pekerman may be tempted to make changes with qualification already assured and there is plenty of strength in depth. Fredy Guarin is in contention after suspension while Adrian Ramos or Jackson Martinez may be afforded their first start of these finals up front. 

Opta Facts

• This will be the third ever meeting between these sides.
• Japan are winless against South American opposition at the World Cup (D1 L2).
• Japan have never scored against Colombia across those two previous fixtures.
• Colombia won their only game against an Asian team at a World Cup (2-0 v United Arab Emirates in 1990).
• Juan Cuadrado (3) has now provided more assists at a single World Cup since 1966 than any other Colombian player.
• James Rodriguez has scored in each of his last four appearances for Colombia.
• Rodriguez is the second Colombian player to score in consecutive World Cup games (after Adolfo Valencia in 1994).
• 2014 is the first World Cup in which Colombia have won more than once.
• Japan have scored only one goal in their last three World Cup games.
• Colombia have only won one of their four final group games at previous World Cups. 

Match Preview

Games played: 2 W0 D1 L1

World Cup Japan v. Colombia 24 Jun 21:00 - Arena Pantanal

Games played: 2 W2 D0 L0

• Last 6 Matches

  19 Jun 2014

  Japan0-0Greece

  15 Jun 2014

  Côte d'Ivoire2-1Japan

  7 Jun 2014

  Japan4-3Zambia

  3 Jun 2014

  Costa Rica1-3Japan

  27 May 2014

  Japan1-0Cyprus

  19 Nov 2013

  Belgium2-3Japan

  19 Jun 2014

  Colombia2-1Côte d'Ivoire

  14 Jun 2014

  Colombia3-0Greece

  7 Jun 2014

  Colombia3-0Jordan

  31 May 2014

  Colombia2-2Senegal

  5 Mar 2014

  Colombia1-1Tunisia

  19 Nov 2013

  Netherlands0-0Colombia