World Cup: Poland has a tricky task in Group H

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Europe

06:38

In Group H, Poland has a good chance of advancing to the next round of the 2018 World Cup. They would fancy themselves to beat Japan and Senegal and do what they have to do to get a point against a very strong Colombian side.

Poland scored 28 goals in the World Cup qualifiers, mostly thanks to 29-year-old goal scoring machine Robert Lewandowski. If Poland go deep into the World Cup, the Bayern Munich striker will be on course to celebrate his 100th international appearance in Russia.

Senegal sealed a return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence, with 2-0 win over South Africa for the West African team last November. Star forward Sadio Mane could send Senegal to the top spot, as the Liverpool striker has used his natural pace, dribbling skills and prolific scoring ability to develop into one of the top players in the Premier League over the past season.

Sadio Mane plays the international friendly match between Senegal and Bosnia Herzegovina. /VCG photo

Senegal are coached by former captain Aliou Cisse, who earned 35 caps for the national team. They look to exceed the country's World Cup debut of reaching the quarter-finals of the 2002 tournament.

As shown with their run to the last eight four years ago, Colombia are a threat for the top spot, partially due to superstar James Rodriguez and, after missing the 2014 World Cup due to a serious knee injury and then spending a couple of difficult seasons in England, Falcao has rediscovered his form.

James Rodriguez gestures on the pitch during a training session at the Milanello training centre. /VCG photo

But head coach Jose Pekerman could be the key to this achievement. If the Argentine can keep his winning formula in crucial games, the Los Cafeteros may improve on their quarterfinal result at Brazil 2014.

This is Japan's sixth straight appearance in the tournament, but they've only reached the knockouts once - when they were co-hosts in 2002. The Samurai Blue are boosted by indefatigable captain Yoshida, as the Southampton defender stepped up during qualification in the wake of Makoto Hasebe's injury.

Yuya Osako talks with Maya Yoshida and Makoto Hasebe of Japan during a training session. /VCG PHOTO

New head coach Akira Nishino is the man charged with trying to improve results, but almost half of his squad are veterans from the previous tournament and the average age of the team is 28, the highest ever for a Japanese World Cup squad.