Group H’s surprise pacesetters, Japan and Senegal, meet on Sunday with an alluring prize of all but securing passage to World Cup 2018’s knockouts rounds reward for the victor.
Poland and Colombia were expected to run away with the pool. But surprise 2-1 defeats were inflicted last week on the former by The Lions of Teranga, and the 10-man latter by Samurai Blue.
Another three points for either at Ekaterinburg Arena should provide a critical advantage heading into next Thursday’s final matches.
Here are the key tactical battles:
SHINJI OKAZAKI V M’BAYE NIANG
It wasn’t just the final whistle that was a welcome sight for Japan in the final stages of their historic win against Colombia.
Peripatetic Leicester City forward Okazaki played the final five minutes to show he had recovered from a sore calf that at one stage threatened his participation in the competition. This was the 32-year-old’s 114th international appearance.
Torino’s Niang took advantage of a touch of fortune to break his international duck at the eight attempt. With Stoke City striker Mame Biram Diouf so underwhelming, responsibility rests with him to fire Senegal into the round of 16 for the first time since 2002.
GAKU SHIBASAKI V IDRISSA GUEYE
A midfield battle to relish awaits at Ekaterinburg.
Getafe’s Shibasaki was inspirational against Colombia as Japan became the first Asian side to defeat South American opposition at any World Cup. No Samurai Blue star made more key passes (two), while his four tackles was the second highest and his two interceptions was joint top.
Standing in his way on Sunday will be Everton’s Gueye – unless he’s dismissed early doors like Espanyol’s Carlos Sanchez.
Gueye’s shot was deflected in by defender Thiago Cionek to force the opener, although his tally of just one tackle was far less than last season’s Premier League average per game of 3.5.
YUTO NAGATOMO V ISMAILA SARR
Players at contrasting stages of their career will clash on Sunday.
Internazionale-owned left-back Nagatomo, 31, should win his 107th international cap when the Lions of Teranga come to town. His ceaseless drive was on show against Colombia, whom he made a leading six clearances against.
Sarr is only 20-years old. But his supreme technique and fleet of foot on the right flank have already attracted the likes of Barcelona, whom he turned down last summer to join Rennes.
No Senegal player made more dribbles or was fouled more than him against Poland (both two). The key now is to better his zero accurate crosses from three attempts.
