There has been all sorts of drama throughout the first five days of the 2018 World Cup, culminating in England’s late winner against Tunisia on Monday. Tuesday brings even more promise, as there are three matchups of some of the more unheralded sides in this tournament. The biggest question remains whether or not Mo Salah will finally play for Egypt, in what is a very critical game for the Pharaohs against Russia. But before the day finishes with that game, Group H takes the stage, with Colombia facing Japan in a rematch from 2014, and Senegal makes their second ever appearance, taking on Poland.
Colombia vs. Japan
What to watch for: The first game of the day is a rematch of a group stage game from 2014. Colombia and Japan met for their third group stage game four years ago in Brazil, with Japan needing a win to get out of the group, while Colombia was already through as the group winner. But Los Cafeteros, led by James Rodriguez, skated past Japan 4-1. This should be one of the better games of the first six days. Both teams will think they can win the group, with Japan wanting to make up for their loss four years ago.
Location: Mordovia Arena, Saransk
Kickoff time: 8 AM Eastern
Available TV: Fox Sports 1, Telemundo
Available streaming: Fox Sports Go, Telemundo
Poland vs. Senegal
What to watch for: When Senegal made the tournament for the first and only time back in 2002, they were one of the more exciting teams in the tournament. They started off by beating defending champions France in their first game, and then drew against Denmark and Uruguay to make it out of the group. From there, they beat Sweden in the Round of 16, becoming just the second ever (at the time) African team to make the quarterfinals. Senegal’s run ended there, when they lost to a sudden death goal to Turkey. This time around, Senegal had a relatively easy path to the World Cup, not losing any of their 8 games. On the other side though, is a potent Polish team. Led by Robert Lewandowski, Poland topped their own qualifying group, to make their first appearance at the finals since 2006. This might be the undercard for the other two games today, but it has a chance to provide just as much intrigue as any other game this round.
Location: Otkritie Arena, Moscow
Kickoff time: 11 AM Eastern
Available TV: Fox, Telemundo
Available streaming: Fox Sports Go, Telemundo
Russia vs. Egypt
What to watch for: Russia’s resounding win over Saudi Arabia to kick off the tournament made the headlines, but all eyes will be on Egypt tomorrow, and whether Mo Salah will play. He was available on the bench against Uruguay, but was held back, as Egypt conceded late against Uruguay, losing 1-0. The game against Russia isn’t quite a must win for the Egyptians, but they have to avoid defeat at all costs. A loss tomorrow and an Uruguayan win on Wednesday would end the Pharaohs fairytale run before it even had a chance to begin. And whether or not Salah starts or even plays for Egypt might play into the outcome for the game.
Russia will be feeling good about themselves after their 5-0 win, but the Egyptians will undoubtedly prove to be a tougher test than Saudi Arabia. A draw for Russia would leave them likely just needing one point from their final game against Uruguay to make it out of Group A.
Location: Kretovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg
Kickoff time: 2 PM Eastern
Available TV: Fox, Telemundo
Available streaming: Fox Sports Go, Telemundo
For listings in other countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.com.