2018 FIFA World Cup – Japan vs Poland Preview
AT A GLANCE
When? Thursday 28th June, 15:00
Where? Volgograd Arena
What channel is it on? BBC1
Where can I stream the match? BBC license holders can stream the match online via BBC iPlayer
Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/group-h-poland-senegal-colombia-japan-tickets/ca5919
THE TEAM NEWS
JAPAN
- Japan are currently top of the group and know that a point against Poland will see them qualify for the Round of 16 so morale is high.
- Coach Akira Nishino has no injury concerns ahead of this match and Shinji Okazaki is fully fit and may come into the side for Osako.
- Despite coming off the bench to score, Honda may have to be content with the super-sub role once again as no other changes are expected.
Predicted line-up (4-3-3):
Kawashima
H. Sakai, Yoshida, Shoji, Nagatomo
Yamaguchi, Hasebe, Shibasaki
Kagawa, Okazaki, Inui
Unavailable: None
Doubtful: None
POLAND
- Poland have been eliminated already after two matches and their confidence and general morale in the camp is particularly low.
- Coach Adam Nawalka has a fully fit squad at his disposal and will likely use this game to give some playing time to some squad players.
- Bednarek and Glik are likely to be the central defensive duo while Nawalka may decide to leave out key men like Lewandowski.
Predicted line-up (4-4-2):
Szczesny
Piszczek, Bednarek, Glik, Jedrzejczyk
Blaszczykowski, Zielinksi, Linetty, Grosicki
Lewandowski, Kownacki
Unavailable: None
Doubtful: None
THE PREDICTION
Poland are incredibly deflated after being eliminated after just two matches so it is difficult to have any confidence in them against a side with everything to play for. Japan will be fired up here and it is highly unlikely that Poland will be able to lift themselves to compete in this one.
