Colombia vs Japan LIVE World Cup 2018: Kick-off time, what channel, prediction, team news, betting odds

Colombia kick-off their 2018 World Cup campaign against Japan four years after their best ever finish when they lost to the hosts Brazil in the quarter final. The campaign earned a move to Real Madrid for their key man James Rodriguez after setting Brazil alight, and the attacking midfielder has been impressing while on loan at Bayern Munich.

Radamel Falcao is in line to make his World Cup debut after missing the previous tournament through injury. The former Manchester United striker has rediscovered his form at Monaco and leads an exciting Colombia side which dramatically sealed their automatic qualifying place in the last round of preliminary fixtures.

Japan have failed to beat Colombia in their previous three attempts, losing twice and drawing the other game, which makes the Asian side the clear underdogs. Shinji Kagawa and former AC Milan midfielder Keisuke Honda are the star players and will be responsible for leading the line as well as creating goal scoring chances for teammates.

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What time is kick-off?

Colombia vs Japan kicks off at 1pm.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be shown live on BBC One.

Odds

Colombia: 4/6

Japan: 5/1

Draw: 13/5

Prediction

Colombia 2-0 Japan: Japan struggled against Ghana and Switzerland in warm up friendlies and will likely come short against their superior opposition, Falcao and Rodriguez’s firepower should prove too much.