After two rounds of matches in Group H, Japan and Senegal still share first place, while Poland has been eliminated. Who saw that coming? You would think The Samurai Blue are now in an ideal situation to progress to the next stage against a team that has nothing to play for. Don’t make rash decisions. The Polish have their pride and they’ll try to prove it on Thursday afternoon in Volgograd.
Japan desperately needed a boost in confidence after entering the 2018 World Cup as they entered on a string of poor results under the guidance of a new coach. That’s exactly what Akira Nishino’s men got with the opening victory against Colombia. Last week, Senegal was seen as the favorite, but the Japanese actually outplayed the inconsistent Africans despite not earning the three points. Yet, they still have work to do.
Poland has been if not one of the worst, the worst national football team in Russia. Lewandowski said it best:
“The differences between us and our rivals were clear, and fighting only, without playing good football, is not enough.”
“I didn’t have opportunities to score, and though I would be angry with myself if I hadn’t taken advantage of chances, I simply didn’t get any.”
That pretty much recaps Poland’s display thus far. A few words from his Colombia post-game statement offer a glimmer of hope, though:
“…but I want to fight for a good result in the last game.”
Adam Nawalka is likely to introduce numerous new players to the starting lineup. Players like Karol Linetty, Lukasz Teodorczyk, Rafal Kurzawa and Artur Jedrzejczyk should all catch a glimpse of the World Cup atmosphere in Volgograd, as the Poles try to sweeten the sour taste in the mouth they left after the first two games.
Possible scenarios
Colombia wins and Japan loses: Colombia progresses and goal difference decides between Japan and Senegal
Colombia wins and Japan wins or draws: Colombia and Japan progress
Colombia wins and Japan wins: Colombia and Japan progress
Senegal wins: Senegal and Japan progress
Senegal draws and Japan loses: Senegal progresses, goal difference decides between Colombia and Japan
Senegal draws and Japan wins or draws: Senegal and Japan progress
Therefore, even a loss can take Japan to the knockout round. That, however, is not something Nishino’s men can afford to rely on. Takashi Inui, Makoto Hasebe and Hiroki Sakai have been sensational, all thriving in their assigned roles. These three individuals’ fine displays don’t take away from the fact this is a team’s team. As usual, the Japanese are guided by their national pride, which brings them together and keeps them that way. Their organization is something the Polish can learn from and is also something that gives them the edge in this matchup. Japan should be able to at least earn a draw, which should then be enough to see them through to the Round of 16.
Betting Odds
Japan 2.5
Draw 3.10
Poland 3.00
