ENGLISH: Uribe and Colombia open World Cup play vs Japan

Four years after Colombia toppled Japan 4-1 in Brazil, the two teams face off in World Cup play once again. This time, Club América midfielder Mateus Uribe could play a role for Las Cafeteros, especially with James Rodriguez in doubt due to muscle fatigue.

Uribe has made eight appearances for Colombia, most recently playing 63 minutes in a 0-0 draw with Egypt in a pre-World Cup friendly. He featured in the midfield for 90 minutes against France in a 3-2 in another pre-World Cup friendly. He’s made two appearances in competitive matches, helping Colombia to wins over Bolivia and Ecuador in World Cup qualifying.

Uribe proved to be a scoring threat this tournament with 8 goals and will look to score his first for Colombia at the World Cup. If he plays against Japan, it would be his World Cup debut.

Match information:

Colombia vs Japan (Group H, Matchday 1)

Tuesday, June 19 – 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT

Mordovia Arena in Saransk, Russia