Match Previews

Topped their group without properly impressing. That said yet to concede a goal when having XI men on the pitch. The main left-back F. Fabra sidelined. A. Aguilar and talisman J. Rodriguez doubtful, but the latter likely to be involved. L. Muriel shrugged off a problem, but M. Borja carries minor knock.

Colombia did what they had to do on Thursday when edging Senegal 1:0 to win their group. For the second game in a row the young centre-back Mina scored from a set piece to bring the crucial three points, but Los Cafeteros were not hugely impressive and for long periods in this match they struggled to control the play.

Back-to-back clean sheets that also brought vital wins should increase the confidence of the team. Colombia are actually the only team apart from Uruguay yet to concede a goal in this World Cup when having XI players on the pitch, both goals Japan scored against them were after Sanchez’s early sending off.

Coach Pekerman saw his main star and team leader James Rodriguez limping off the pitch very early in the last match and the gaffer is not hugely optimistic about Rodriguez’s chances to start in this one. That said the Bayern midfielder is so important that he is very likely to be introduced off the bench at some point.

Fabra is a long-term absentee, while Aguilar got injured against Poland and he is very likely to be absent too.

Quintero is having the tournament of his life with a goal and two assists already. Barrios and Sanchez are the most effective pair of holding midfielders in this tournament in terms of successful tackles and interceptions made.

Muriel picked up a knock in the last group match, but he recovered quickly. Borja also carries a minor injury, but he is yet to be involved in this World Cup anyway.

Unbeaten by a European team since 2011 – current run is 6 wins and 2 draws. This run included 1:0 win over Belgium, 3:2 success vs. France and the draws were against Spain and Germany.