Japan vs Poland LIVE World Cup 2018: Japan through - latest reaction from Volgograd

Follow all the live coverage from the final round of games in Group H

2018 Russia World Cup in numbers

With no way of making it through to the round of 16 Poland have nothing to lose going into this game. Whereas Japan, the current leaders of Group H, have everything to lose. A defeat on Thursday could mean Japan’s exit from the competition.

Japan haven’t performed very well in the competition so far. Their game against Colombia saw an early red card that helped them out tremendously. During last week’s game against Senegal the Japanese side missed several chances, including a goal line miss from Yuya Osako that would’ve secured the win.

To say that Poland have struggled in the World Cup would be an understatement. They’ve only managed one goal in the tournament so far despite many chances.

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What time is it?

Japan vs Poland kicks off at 15:00 at the Volgograd Arena.

Where can I watch it?

Live coverage is available on BBC Two and online via the BBC Sport website.

Odds

Japan: 6/4

Poland: 15/8

Draw: 21/10

Prediction

Poland could give Japan the upset needed to through their World Cup hopes into turmoil, they will just need to play much better than they have in their last two outings. Japan will be looking to close out the group stage with a win in order to secure their place. Japan are the favourites to win by a small margin.

Key Points

• It's day 15 in Russia with the climax of Groups G and H to look forward to
• First up, Senegal and Colombia meet in Samara at 3pm
• Japan take on Poland at the same time in Volgograd
• Then England face Belgium at 7pm for the right to top Group G
• Tunisia and Panama go for their first points in Saransk

[28 June 2018 12:48 · Jack Austin]

Hello and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the final round of games in Group H!

It is all to play for with three out of the four teams still able to qualify for the Round of 16. There is also a lot of England interest has one of these teams will be their next opponents.

Poland take on Japan and Senegal face Colombia with only the Poles definitely out of the competition. 

Don't touch that dial!

[28 June 2018 12:55 · Jack Austin]

Permutations:

So what do each team need to qualify? This might help...

Colombia: Must beat Senegal to qualify for the Round of 16. A draw would be enough if Japan lose to Poland as they have a better goal difference.

Senegal: A draw would guarantee they progress. A win would secure top spot, but depending on Japan's result, a draw could be enough.

Japan: A draw would guarantee they progress. Defeat would still be okay as long as Colombia lost as well. 

[28 June 2018 13:18 · Jack Austin]

Senegal are the last African team left in the World Cup - but for how long will they remain? Here's why they are fighting for a whole continent of more than 1.2 billion people...

[28 June 2018 13:39 · Jack Austin]

James Rodriguez is the star attraction in Group H and after not starting the first game, he showed his class against Poland. What will he produce today...? 

[28 June 2018 13:56 · Michael Jones]

The team news is in for both games, take a look at Japan and Poland

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[28 June 2018 13:57 · Michael Jones]

And in the second game, Senegal take on Colombia

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[28 June 2018 13:58 · Jack Austin]

Japan are the surprise package in the group but have endlessly impressed so far this tournament. Can they keep it going for one more game to reach the knockouts?

[28 June 2018 14:28 · Michael Jones]

Did you know?

Colombia have scored 4 goals from 7 seven shots on target at the 2018 World Cup, including 3 from 4 in their last game against Poland.

Speaking of that last game, their 3-0 win over Poland was their biggest win at a World Cup since they beat Greece 3-0 and Japan 4-1 in 2014.

[28 June 2018 14:38 · Michael Jones]

As for Senegal they have only faced South American opposition once before in the World Cup, drawing 3-3 with Uruguay in 2002.

They have conceded 3 goals from just 7 shots on target at this World Cup but they are unbeaten in the 15 matches Sadio Mane has scored in (W9, D6).

[28 June 2018 14:41 · Michael Jones]

In the other Group H game today Japan's starts on the bench but his goal against Senegal made him the first Japanese player to score at three different World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018).

And he has been involved in seven of Japan's last 10 World Cup goals (four goals and three assists).