RUSSIA 2018 - World Cup Preview: Group H

Teams: Poland, Senegal, Japan, Colombia

Player to Watch: James Rodriguez

X-Factor: Sadio Mane

Projected to Advance: Colombia, Senegal

Best Match to Watch: Colombia v Senegal

Poland: Poland are another one of those teams who are fun to watch and probably don't get as much credit as they deserve. Poland placed 3rd at the 1974 and 1982 World Cups, but have struggled to establish a consistent foothold since then, failing to advance past the World Cup group stage since 1986. Even though Poland are paying in their first World Cup since 2006, they are fresh off a quarterfinal berth in the 2016 European Championships, where they impressed en route to their 5th place finish. On the heels of their Euro 2016 performance, Poland have climbed to 8th in the FIFA world rankings and are the pot 1 team in Group H. Upfront, they are led by all-world Bayern Munich front man Robert Lewandowski and his slightly smaller clone Arkadiusz Milik (Napoli). At midfield, Piotr Zielinski (Napoli), Kamil Grosicki (Hull City), and Grzegorz Krychowiak (West Brom) will facilitate their big forwards, while Jakub Blaszczykowski (Wolfsburg) and Lukas Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund) will provide service from the wings. Kamil Glik offers experience and physicality in the center of back line and new Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny is more than adequate between the pipes. Group H is a mixed bag of teams from every corner of the world and the unfamiliarity of each squad adds a significant level of intrigue. If Lewandowski and Milik can take advantage of their size and capitalize on chances in the box, Poland has an excellent chance to advance to the knockout round in Russia. . 

Senegal: African teams always have awesome nicknames and Senegal is no different. The Lions of Teranga are making their second ever World Cup appearance, and first since 2002 when they made an improbable run to the quarterfinals. This year's squad is sprinkled with talent at every position but Senegal are disproportionately heavy at forward. Liverpool star Sadio Mane leads the talented corp of forwards that includes Keita Balde (Monaco), Mame Biram Diouf (Stoke City), M'Baye Niang (Torino), former West Ham man Diafra Sakho, and former Fenerbahce forward Moussa Sow. Senegal's entire midfield plays in England and is headlined by captain Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham) and Idrissa Gueye (Everton). Their defense is anchored by Salif Sane (Schalke) and Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly who is currently at the center of a bidding war between Europe's biggest clubs. While Senegal clearly have a plethora of attacking options, manager Aliou Cisse faces a tall task to figure out which combination maximizes his side's potential. Every four years African teams arrive at the World Cup with loaded offensive lineups, but rarely seem to be able to convert their talent into wins (Ivory Coast comes to mind). Will Senegal be the latest addition to this regrettable list or will they defy this stereotype that has come to define West African teams? 

Japan: Along with their South Korean rivals, Japan have established themselves as the class of Eastern Asia. The Blue Samurai, however, are getting no respect. They're the pot 4 team in Group H and none of the 'experts' are talking about them, let alone giving them much of a chance to get out of their group. Yet Japan has been a regular World Cup attendee since their tournament debut in 1998, intermittently advancing to the knockout stage  in 2002 and 2010. Japan's roster is littered with star players who play for some of the biggest clubs in the world. They're an experienced group that are led by former AC Milan stud midfielder Keisuke Honda, accompanied by Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund), and captain Makoto Hasebe (Eintracht Frankfurt). Yuto Nagatomo (Galatasaray), Maya Yoshida (Southampton), and Hiroki Satai (Marseille) anchor the Blue Samurai back line and their underrated attacking corps features Yuya Osako (Werder Bremen), Yoshinori Muto (Mainz), and Shinji Okazaki (Leicester City). Japan are flying under the radar heading into Russia and I believe that they have the talent and experience to advance out of their group. Group H is extremely balanced and the match ups are hard to gauge, but if Japan can snag a point, or three, in their first match against a tough Colombia side, they will be in a great position to contend for a top 2 group finish.

Colombia: Colombia were, without a doubt, my favorite team to watch at the 2014 World Cup. They seemingly came out of nowhere to put on a fun and flashy display before losing to hosts Brazil in the quarterfinals. While the Falcao-less Los Cafeteros dazzled on the pitch, what endeared them to fans in Brazil was their charisma. From the overzealous fans to the synchronized celebrations if you didn't find yourself pulling for Colombia you didn't have a pulse. James Rodriguez made himself a household name four years ago when the baby-faced assasin put on an awe inspiring performance with multiple highlight reel goalzos en route to being awarded the tournament's Golden Boot as the top scorer. Rodriguez was robbed of the title of 'Best Player' by Lionel Messi, a snub that even the Argentine conceded was a mistake. While James's heroics were four years ago, I think we can expect a similarly enjoyable performance from Colombia in Russia. James (Real Madrid/Bayern Munich) will be back, and his ability to score wonder goals and create for his teammates is invaluable. His supporting cast isn't too shabby either. After missing the 2014 World Cup run with a torn ACL, star forward Radamel Falcao (Monaco) is healthy and joined by Luis Muriel (Sevilla) and Carlos Bacca (Villareal) to form a potent strike force. Their midfield is deep and experienced as Juan Quintero (Boca Juniors) and Juan Cuadrado (Juventus) offer a creative, playmaking element to the side, while Carlos Sanchez (Fiorentina) provides stability and strength from his deeper, holding, position. Defenders Christian Zapata (AC Milan), Yerry Mina (Barcelona), and Davinson Sanchez (Spurs) provide size and strength to Colombia's most unheralded position group. Los Cafeteros style of play reminds me of Brazil. Colombia play loose, free flowing, and creatively and their cheekiness and unmistakable chemistry makes you, as a fan, subconsciously root for them. They have a unique aura that seems to draw in the neutral fan and a refreshingly liberating approach to the game that seems to resonate with people. Colombia is probably the best team in Group H, but this group is extremely balanced and no one, not even Colombia, can afford to overlook any of their opponents. If Los Cafeteros can replicate the chemistry and form of four years ago then it will be tough to bet against them this Summer.