James Rodriguez has missed out on a place in the starting lineup as Colombia face Japan in the World Cup.

Colombia's star man has been suffering with a muscle injury, and boss Jose Pekerman has opted against risking the forward for the nation's opening match.

However, Radamel Falcao takes his place in the team, with Brighton & Hove Albion winger Jose Izquierdo coming into the lineup to win just his sixth cap.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina, Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez and former Chelsea wideman Juan Cuadrado also feature in the first XI.

As for Japan, Leicester City playmaker Shinji Okazaki misses out as he continues to nurse a calf problem, but former Manchester United man Shinji Kagawa features in the final third.

Werder Bremen frontman Yuya Osako leads the line, while Southampton's Maya Yoshida starts in the centre of defence.

Colombia: Ospina; Arias, D.Sanchez, Murillo, Mojica; C.Sanchez, Lerma; Cuadrado, Quintero, Izquierdo; Falcao

Japan: Kawashima; Sakai, Yoshida, Shoji, Nagatomo; Hasebe, Shibasaki; Haraguchi, Kagawa, Inui; Osako

Follow the action in Saransk with Sports Mole's live commentary.

Written by
Darren Plant