FIFA World Cup 2018: Most important players in Group H

Group H is an intriguing and rather open group. Poland is the highest ranked in the group which also contains Colombia, Japan and Senegal. Both Poland and Colombia have an array of players with star quality and their head-to-head might decide the shape of Group H. Club teammates Robert Lewandowski and James Rodriguez playing against each other also provides an interesting sub-plot.

Japan and Senegal cannot be discounted. Japan changed their head coach to ensure that they play possession-based football in Russia, which will be very handy against talented and experience sides like Poland and Colombia.

Japan has some recognizable quality and they might just turn up the heat in Russia. Senegal are no pushovers either and have a strong, well-drilled and consistent side and that might just be enough. Very very intriguing group to keep an eye on in Russia.

Match to Watch: Poland v Colombia (24th June, 7 PM GMT).

On that note, here is a look at the most important player for each side in Group H:

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#1 Poland - Robert Lewandowski

LewanGOALski will be one of the star men at the Mundial

Robert Lewandowski, arguably Poland's greatest ever goalscorer, finished top of the scoring charts in the qualifying rounds with an astounding 16 goals to his name. Poland's all-time leading goal scorer will be captaining them in Russia, and he will be extremely important for their success in the tournament.

Lewandowski, blessed with strength and a whole lot of scoring ability will be Poland's talisman in Russia, and his capacity to score from anywhere will be tested in a group containing Colombia, Senegal, and Japan. Lewandowski and his prolific goal-scoring prowess will be vital for Poland to fare well in Russia.

Notable Mention: Kamil Glik

#2 Senegal - Sadio Mané

Super Mané will be pivotal for the Lions of Teranga to navigate a tricky group

Senegal last qualified for a World Cup in 2002, in which a team of relative unknowns led the team all the way to a quarter-final finish. Under Aliou Cissé, the current Senegal team look ready to repeat the feat. The Lions of Teranga have a good mix of experienced players such as Cheikhou Kouyaté and also young attacking talents like Keita Baldé.

Vital to Senegal's success, however, will be Liverpool forward Sadio Mané. His pace, his strength and sheer knack for scoring make him Senegal's talisman in Russia. Combined with Keita Baldé and possibly Diafra Sakho, Mané will be expected to help Senegal repeat the feats of 2002 in Russia.

Notable Mention: Keita Baldé

#3 Colombia - James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez will be looking to recreate the magic of 2014 in Russia

James Rodriguez initially failed to impress, after making his two-year loan move to Bayern from Real Madrid, but has hence undergone a renaissance of sorts under the tutelage of Jupp Heynckes.

James shot to fame when he shone for a Falcao-less Colombia four years ago in Brazil. He is a special player especially because of his versatility. James is very comfortable playing in the middle of the park and with his strong left foot, can be deployed down either wing as well.

Recently for Bayern, he has been playing in a deeper central role. This is because even though James is a fast player blessed with electric pace, it is his technical quality on the ball that sets him apart. His accurate passing range and excellent shooting make him Colombia's biggest threat in Russia.

Jose Pekerman will be hoping that James can reproduce his performances from the previous World Cup, as his pace, trickery and guile led him to win the Golden Boot at the FIFA 2014 World Cup. With Radamel Falcao fit to play and looking set to finally appear in the tournament of his dreams, expect James to apply his creativity to sharpen Colombia's attack and create chances for El Tigre.

Notable Mention : Radamel Falcao

#4 Japan - Shinji Kagawa

Shinji Kagawa will be vital for the Samurai Blue to play possession-based football

Japan sacked Vahid Halilhodžić just over two months before the World Cup and have replaced him with Akira Nishino. This was primarily because of Halilhodžić losing the changing room due to his style of counter-attacking football. Akira has been installed to help the Samurai Blue play a quick passing Japanese style of football, as described by the president of the JFA.

Shinji Kagawa and his playmaking abilities will be vital for Akira to incorporate that flavour of football. Kagawa is a mercurial central attacking midfielder. His vision is unparalleled and he also has quite an engine on him.

Kagawa is a natural fan favourite as he relentlessly chases 50-50 balls. His energy and creativity will be vital for the Japanese in Russia. Further, Kagawa has had a good season at Dortmund and would be expected to impress with his passing and creativity, and maybe help Japan go beyond the round of 16 for the first time.

Notable Mention : Keisuke Honda