James Rodriguez OUT of Colombia side to face Japan

The top scorer at the 2014 event is recovering from a left calf injury and has not been risked by coach Jose Pekerman for the Group H clash in the Mordovia Arena, Saransk.

The absence of the Colombia talisman means the onus will be on all-time leading scorer Radamel Falcao to lead the Cafeteros in his absence.

Four-times Asian champions Japan lost 4-1 to Colombia in Brazil and have been hamstrung by a poor build-up to the tournament, including the sacking of Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodzic in April.

The Blue Samurai included the experienced duo of midfielder Shinji Kagawa and defender Yuto Nagatomo in their starting line-up.

Colombia XI: Ospina; Arias, Davinson Sánchez, Murillo, Mojica; Carlos Sánchez, Lerma; Quintero, Cuadrado, Izquierdo; Falcao

Japan XI: Kawashima; H Sakai, Yoshida, Shoji, Nagatomo; Hasebe, Shibasaki; Haraguchi, Kagawa, Inui; Osako