Japan will face off against Poland in order to try to qualify from Group H. Japan will be looking to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament. Meanwhile, Poland will be aiming to obtain a point before departing the tournament.
Japan
Japan will be aiming to qualify from Group H knowing that they only need a draw to see them through. After impressive displays against both Colombia and Senegal, the east Asian nation should not be underestimated. The team went in to the tournament looking like one of the weakest teams in the competition. However, impressive performances against Colombia and Senegal have put them in real contention to qualify for the next round.
Japan will look to Keisuke Honda and Takashi Inui to replicate their performances in the first two games to see them through to the knockout stages. Goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima risks losing his place in the side after making important mistakes in Japan’s first two games. The team go in to the match as top of Group H and aim to stay there by the end of their final group game.
Poland
After a couple of underwhelming performances, Poland will be looking to leave the tournament with at least some points to their name. This has hardly looked like the dominant side which finished with the top scorer in World Cup qualifying. As the team is already eliminated, Poland is likely to make changes in their lineup for their final group game.
This could see some playing time for players who have not yet had a chance to impress at this World Cup. Kamil Glik was taken to the World Cup despite an injury and could finally start against Japan. Poland have been eliminated in the group stages from the last 3 World Cups the country has taken part in. Although a disappointing tournament, the team will be looking to come home to Poland with at least a consolation win to their name.
Japan will play Poland at 3:00pm GMT at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd, Russia at the 2018 World Cup.
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