After losing their Group C openers, Japan and Greece will be looking to rediscover the qualities which got them to Brazil as they bid to keep their campaigns alive at the Arena das Dunas on Thursday. There is little doubt that only three points will do if either side is to extend their stay in Brazil beyond the group stage.
Japan’s attacking flair helped them become the first country to qualify for Brazil but they paid the price for uncharacteristic timidity after taking an early lead in their opening 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast in Recife. Abandoning the fast, intricate passing that gave them the lead through Keisuke Honda after 16 minutes, they sat back in defence and we're ultimately bullied out of the contest by the powerful Ivorians.
Former European champions Greece conceded four goals in 10 qualifying matches for Brazil but almost as many in their first match of the tournament, a 3-0 defeat to Colombia in Belo Horizonte. They came to the World Cup promising a more adventurous style and, considering themselves unlucky to have gone down by such a margin to the Colombians, will not be abandoning it. Fernando Santos, Greece’s Portuguese coach, will be hoping for an end to concentration lapses at the back that cost the team so dear in Belo Horizonte.
The Asian champions will be looking to make amendments and hope for a win here to put pressure on Colombia and Ivory Coast. Greece has a bad record at the World Cup and will certainly not find it easy with the Samurai. I see them loosing here.
Verdict: Japan to win
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