World Cup: Group H in action, hosts eye 2nd win Tuesday

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - World Cup audience will get their first look at Group H on Tuesday with Colombia versus Japan in the early game followed by Poland against Senegal.

Hosts Russia will play against Egypt in their second game in Group A.

The action in Group H will start with Colombia-Japan match at Mordovia Arena in Saransk at 3 p.m. local time (1200GMT).

The matchup will see an Asian team try to beat a South American opponent, an outcome which has never occurred before. Japan suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Colombia in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Los Cafeteros booked their ticket to Russia by finishing the South American qualifying group stage in the fourth place, collecting 27 points in 18 matches.

Japan, on the other hand, topped both their group stages to clinch their ticket to Russia 2018. They collected 20 points in 10 matches against Saudi Arabia, Australia, Iraq, UAE, and Thailand in the final group stage.

The other match of Group H will see Senegal taking on Poland, the first time ever in both teams' history.

The match at Spartak Stadium in Moscow will kick off at 6 p.m. local time (GMT1500).

Poland have never been defeated by African teams before, having won once and drawn twice.

Senegal will enjoy their second World Cup tournament following their quarter-final appearance in their first try in the 2002 edition.

In the last match of the day, action in Group A will see hosts Russia taking on Egypt at Saint Petersburg Stadium at 9 p.m. local time (GMT1800).

Russia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening match of the World Cup 2018. Egypt will look to bounce back against the hosts after being defeated by Uruguay 1-0 with a last minute goal.