Japan vs Senegal, 2018 FIFA World Cup Group H Match Preview: Start Time, Probable Lineup and Match Prediction

Riding on confidence after victories in their respective opening fixtures, Japan and Senegal will lock horns in their second Group H encounter of the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the Ekaterinburg Arena on Sunday. Japan vs Senegal World Cup match will kick-off at 8:30 PM IST.  A win on Sunday will virtually seal a pre-quarterfinal berth for the winner. Japan on Tuesday became the first ever Asian nation to beat South American opposition at a World Cup when they pipped Colombia 2-1.

The Asian giants' win against Colombia was one of the biggest surprise of the ongoing mega event and the Akira Nishino-coached side will be eager to dish out yet another spirited show.

Japan midfielder Genki Haraguchi said his side will focus on strengthening their defence on Sunday, which will also enhance their attacking ability. "We had to start by building the base, which is defence," Haraguchi was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency. 

"But with that base in place, our ability to attack and respond to different situations is increasing," he added. Japan vs Senegal Live Score Updates, 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, Japan skipper Makoto Hasebe felt that despite a major win, his side has to be grounded as Senegal will be a completely different story.

"We must keep our feet on the ground, we have to take into account that we played against 10 men for almost 90 minutes," Hasebe said, referring to Carlos Sanchez's dismissal which gave Japan the advantage against Colombia.

Senegal on the other hand, too came out with an impressive all-round show against Poland, beating them 2-1.

The Africans will be looking to continue the momentum from that unexpected victory into their next game. Most of the Senegal players feature in different European clubs and with plenty of experience, they could make life tough for Japan.

After scoring his first international goal, which proved to be a decisive second for Senegal against Poland, M'Baye Niang said that the story is still not over as they have a lot more to achieve. 

"My benefit, of which you speak, is the work of a whole group. We must not give up and we must continue to work. Nothing is yet acquired, we must continue to work to achieve our goal," Niang said. 

Come Sunday, Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse would likely set a 4-4-2 formation once again and no major changes are expected in the starting XI.

Japan probable starting lineup: Kawashima, Hiroki Sakai, Yoshida, Shoji, Nagatomo, Hasebe, Shibasaki, Haraguchi, Kagawa, Inui, Osako.

Senegal probable starting lineup: Khadim N'Diaye, Wague, Sane, Koulibaly, Sabaly, Sarr, Alfred N'Diaye, Gueye, Niang, Mane, Diouf.

Japan vs Senegal, 2018 FIFA World Cup Group H Match Prediction: Japan 1-2 Senegal (Inputs from IANS).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2018 08:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).