Odds stacked against embattled Japan

– Despite sacking their coach just 71 days before the World Cup, Japan will attempt to prove their doubters wrong today against a Colombian side sweating on the fitness of star midfielder James Rodriguez (left).

The top scorer at Brazil 2014 is a doubt for the Group H opener at the Mordovia Arena after struggling with a calf strain.

The Bayern Munich midfielder is key to Colombia’s chances of repeating their run to the quarterfinals four years ago in Brazil.

Rodriguez, 26, netted six goals and created four assists to help Colombia qualify for Russia, while midfielder Wilmar Barrios is also battling to be fit.

However, the South Americans

Saransk

face a Japan side who would struggle to avoid an early World Cup exit even if they were under Jose Mourinho, according to former coach Philippe Troussier.

Troussier suggested Japan have “no chance” of reaching the knockout stage after sacking Vahid Halilhodzic in April.

The bleak prediction follows unsettling events in the national team.

After Halilhodzic was sacked, the Japanese FA replaced him with former technical director Akira Nishino.

The 63-year-old has plenty of experience in the J-League, but at national level has only ever worked with Japan’s Under-20 and Under-23 teams before.

With Robert Lewandowski-led Poland and Senegal also to come in the group, Japan need a good start.

“If Poland was the first match it would be different. But the fact that Colombia is the first match and Senegal the second – for me, on paper at least they have no chance,” said Troussier.

The high-risk move to install Nishino will be tested in Saransk as the Japanese try to improve on the 4-1 drubbing handed to them by Colombia at the 2014 World Cup when Jackson Martinez scored twice.

Colombia marched into the last-16 and the result sent the winless Japan home after finishing bottom of their group. –