Former winners with no margin for error

MATCHDAY PREVIEW – The second instalment of group-stage games has barely begun, but already a raft of sides lie within sight of the knockout phase. For Colombia or Côte d'Ivoire, that could mean an early spot in the Round of 16, with the leading duo in Group C facing off in a potentially crucial encounter. Colombia will advance if they prevail and Japan then fail to beat Greece, although the South Americans – already missing star striker Falcao – will have to cope without injured forward Carlos Bacca. As for Côte d'Ivoire, they will progress if they win and Greece do not overcome Japan.

In contrast, former FIFA World Cup™ winners England and Uruguay will be fighting for survival. Should they lose, the Three Lions would be eliminated if Italy then drop points against Costa Rica on Friday. Likewise, La Celeste,who have conceded three goals in each of their last three games, will be heading for the exit if they suffer defeat and Los Ticos do not see off Italy. The situation also looks similar for Japan and Greece, who shipped three goals against Colombia after letting in only four during their ten qualifiers. The Greeks will be out if they lose and Côte d'Ivoire avoid succumbing to Los Cafeteros, while Japan will suffer the same fate if they are beaten and Colombia cannot down Les Elephants.

The matches
Colombia-Côte d'Ivoire (Group C), Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 13.00 (local time)
Uruguay-England (Group D), Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 16.00 (local time)
Japan-Greece (Group C), Estadio das Dunas, Natal, 19.00 (local time)