Saransk: Despite sacking their coach just 71 days before the World Cup, Japan will attempt to prove their doubters wrong on Tuesday against a Colombia side sweating on the fitness of star midfielder James Rodriguez.

The top scorer at Brazil 2014 is a doubt for the Group H opener at the Mordovia Arena after struggling with a strain in his left calf, which also flared up last February. The Bayern Munich attacking midfielder is key to Colombia's chances of repeating their run to the quarter finals four years ago.

Rodriguez, 26, netted six goals and created four assists to help Colombia qualify for Russia, while midfielder Wilmar Barrios is also battling to be fit.

Head coach Jose Pekerman will make a decision on Rodriguez just before kick-off. "We are waiting to see what the doctor says over the last check," Pekerman said. "We have enough alternatives and players who can give options to the team."

The current Colombian squad has a richer blend of talent and is widely expected to prevail over a team such as Japan, which recently changed coaches in hopes of addressing communication problems and bouts of inconsistency.

Colombia's triumphs in the past World Cup included a 4-1 victory over Japan in the final game of group play. The rematch involves many of the same players, including, perhaps, attacking midfielder Rodriguez. But the Japanese are hoping that some different circumstances work in their favour.

"I think we will cope," said Japan captain Makoto Hasebe. "We have three tough opponents. But they are not Germany, so we have a chance and we hope we can go further."

Japan has not had the best of preparations for the World Cup in Russia, and news of an earthquake back home added to their worries on Monday, while a false hotel alarm a day before their opener against Colombia did little to help settle the team.

The team woke up to the news on Monday that Osaka, Japan's second-biggest metropolis, was hit by a magnitude 6.1 earthquake in the early hours, killing three people and injuring dozens. "There were players who were a bit shocked by this incident and they were concerned about relatives and family members," coach Akira Nishino said.

• Kick-off: 5.30pm (IST)

Agencies