Substitute Keisuke Honda took a corner, which Yuya Osako leaped highest for and headed off the post and into the net. That left Japan to mostly play an effective keep-away game for the final 20 minutes.
Japan became the latest side to pull off an upset at the World Cup, joining Mexico, Switzerland and Iceland in earning surprising results. This scoreline was particularly unexpected in light of the fact that Japan had changed coaches shortly before the tournament, and because no Asian team had ever previously defeated a South American side in 17 World Cup meetings.
Group H, which also includes Poland and Senegal, was said to be the most evenly matched at the World Cup. But many still ranked Japan the weakest of the teams. After this win, Japan is in pole position to qualify.
Andrew Das: That’s an enormous result for Japan, and it really scrambles the group — and perceptions. Japan is in its sixth straight World Cup but has long been seen as a rider more than a driver. It has advanced to the round of 16 only twice — on home soil in 2002 and again in 2010 — but promptly went right out. This victory, over a good Colombia team many thought could win the group, just put Poland and Senegal on notice.
Here’s how Japan beat Colombia:
90’ + 4: Colombia Pressing
Colombia is doing everything it can to push the ball forward. A couple desperation shots make it interesting, but no real threat.
90’: Stoppage Time
Five minutes of stoppage time. Colombia throws everyone forward. But Japan clears the ball away again. Tick. tick. tick.
89’: Colombia Still Battling
A series of throw-ins leads to a series of headers from Colombia, who are absolutely frantic at this point. None of those headers leads to a shot on goal, however.
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87’: Frustration Sets In
Yellow for James Rodriguez for a challenge from behind. That’s not what Colombia wants, especially now that it looks like it will need 4 or 6 points from its last two games.
85’: Time Running Out for Colombia
Japan is killing the game off effectively. Time is Japan’s friend and Colombia’s enemy. When Colombia finally does get the ball it passes it away.
81’: Japan Keeps It
Japan regained possession and started an extended game of keepaway. Twenty passes, 30, maybe 40.
79’: Colombia Goes on the Attack
Falcao got the ball on a break, but two Japanese defenders closed him down and Japan dealt with the ensuing corner. Then James got a clear shot on goal, but it was deflected over by a diving Osako. Another corner and Colombia is pouring it on.
73: GOAL! Japan Takes the Lead
Japan was dominating and got their goal. It’s striker Yuya Osako with the header off the Honda corner. Osaka finds the inside of the post. Textbook score and Colombia finally paid for its lack of numbers. Now it will be up to James and Falcao to come up with something for Colombia.
72’: There’s Honda
Honda fired at goal almost immediately, drawing a save, although the shot would have been just wide.
69’ Kagawa Off
Japan’s penalty scorer, Kagawa is out. Keisuke Honda is in. Honda scored in both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
Colombia counters, bringing on Bacca for Izquierdo.
67’: Colombia Scrambles to Survive
Japan zipped the ball into and around the Colombia penalty area for an endless stretch. Nervous moments for Colombia, which hasn’t been able to clear, much less mount a scoring challenge of its own.
61’: Rodriguez Busy Right Away
James Rodriguez got right into the action, passing, dribbling and showing no obvious signs of injury.
60’: Free Kick Goes Wide
A free kick for Japan, and Yoshida jumped the highest. But he headed wide. The attack continues ...
59’: James Rodriguez Checks In
James Rodriguez! Colombia’s superstar checks in, injury and all. This could be a huge moment for Colombia, which has struggled this half.
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57’: Japan Fires Away
Inui got free on the left, and he fired a curler that drew a diving save. Colombia’s goalkeeper, David Ospina, is holding his own, but it’s all Japan right now.
54’: Japan’s Numbers Starting to Show
Another run by Japan. Osako forced a save on a close-in shot. Japan’s advantage in numbers is really telling the story.
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51’: Corner to Japan
Yoshida got it with his back to goal but was muscled off the ball. Japan the better start here.
49’: Japan Looks to Run
Japan comes out running. Nagatomo puts a good ball in the box, but it’s dealt with easily by Colombia’s defense.
46’: Second Half Begins
The second half kicks off. Halftime talking points centered on the Colombia goal. Did Falcao dive to earn the free kick (Kind of?) Did the wall make a huge mistake by jumping? (Clearly.)
Halftime: 1-1 After a Busy First Half
An eventful half ends. Colombia has the momentum, but may start to tire in the second half with 10 men. And will the Colombians bring out James Rodriguez at some point?
For a game with so much incident and so many momentum swings, the stats ended up curiously even. Possession was 52-48 in favor of Japan, shots were even at 5-5, corners were 2-1 Japan.
Andrew Das: Japan’s early lead was a surprise, since African and Asian teams have won only one game at the World Cup. That was Iran, but Japan over Colombia would be much bigger than that.
43’: Who’s the Favorite Now?
Colombia, the prematch favorite, which just used its attacking might to equalize? Or Japan with a man advantage? It’s close.
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39’: GOAL! Colombia Levels
Juan Quintero of Colombia tied it up! It was a much more dangerous free kick, just outside the box. The wall jumped, but the shot went low, slid under them, then just trickled into the corner just as Japan’s keeper fell on it.
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Andrew Das: Japan protested, but goal line technology proves its value again. Though anyone with two eyes could see that was across the line. All square.
36’: Falcao Busy
Besides working hard, Falcao is also spending a lot of time on the ground. He pirouetted in a fall to win a free kick. But the forest of Japanese defenders foil it. Update: Falcao fell down again.
33’: Falcao, Just Short
Falcao broke for goal onside and between two defenders, then leapt athletically to get a toe on a pass. But it went right to the keeper, again. Falcao is working hard and in the absence of James Rodriguez is going to be the focal point of Colombia’s comeback bid. Of course, Japan knows this and will keep him well covered.
31’: Japan Wastes a Good Chance
Osako stole the ball near the Colombian goal with an open look, but launched a ball to nowhere. Was that supposed to be a shot or a cross? Either way a possible chance wasted.
26’: Japan’s Advantage
11 may not seem like a whole lot more than 10. But at this level, the man-advantage is enormous. It will mean more space to work in, more time on the ball, more comfort in defense. Japan will enjoy this advantage.
24’: Can Columbia Press for 70 Minutes?
Colombia is pressing a deliberate Japan to try to get possession. This is going to really tire the team out over the next 70 minutes.
22’: Japan Slows Down
Japan is advancing the ball at a glacial pace. You can’t blame them. They have the lead and have superior numbers. Why push anything at this point?
18’: Cuadrado Loses One-on-One
Juan Cuadrado is a dangerous player on the wing, and he tried to show off some of that skill one-on-one against Nagatomo at the end line. But the Japanese defender is up to the challenge and dispossesses him.
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14’: Japan Threatens Again
Japan took advantage of their superior numbers and developed an opportunity against an overstretched defense. But Takashi Inui went wide.
Colombia then makes some noise on the counterattack, but it leads nowhere.
12’: Falcao Makes a Run
Colombia’s Falcao beat the defense and got to a through ball with a sliding shot. Right to Japan’s goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima though.
10’: Short-Handed Colombia in Trouble Now
Colombia must attack now and must do it with 10 men. This is a dire situation, especially with 80 minutes to go.
5’: GOAL! Japan Scores on Penalty Kick
Disaster for Colombia. Osako raced past the Colombian defense and was in alone on goal. Ospina made the save and it rebounded to Kagawa who was following the play. His shot was blocked, but Carlos Sanchez used his hand! Red card for Sanchez. The penalty is taken by Kagawa. Low and steady into the net.
Kickoff!
Japan in blue, Colombia in yellow. With James Rodriguez out, Colombia will turn to its captain, Falcao, for its goals. Falcao is 32, but playing in his first World Cup. He was injured in 2014 and Colombia missed the three Cups before that. He has 29 goals for Colombia in his career, the record.
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Colombia vs Japan: Live Updates, Score and Reaction from World Cup Game
Colombia (National Football) vs Japan (National Football)
Saransk
The World Cup gets its first sight of the hugely exciting Colombia side when they face off against Japan at the Saransk Arena on Tuesday. Group H is the final pool to get underway, but it could be one worth waiting for if the likes of Juan Quintero and Radamel Falcao hit the ground running for Colombia. The South Americans made it to the quarter finals four years ago and will be looking for that at least this time around. It will be a tough task for a Japan side who will look to Shinji Kagawa for inspiration.
World Cup: Colombia find themselves a man and a goal down inside the first five minutes of their Group H clash with Japan.
FOUR teams lined up for their first game of the tournament before host nation Russia doomed Egypt’s campaign in Saint Petersburg.
Japan wrote its name into the record books after toppling Colombia and becoming the first Asian nation to defeat a South American opponent at a World Cup. The win came with plenty of drama thanks to an early Colombian red card.
The second game of the night saw Senegal upset Poland at Spartak Stadium before the home fans were given even more reasons to cheer as Russia backed up its 5-0 opening win against Saudi Arabia with a 3-1 victory over Egypt.
‘Calamity’ sparks Cup crisis Russia scored three goals in a 15-minute span early in the second half to set up a 3-1 win over Egypt on Wednesday morning (AEST), moving the host nation to the brink of the World Cup’s knockout stage. Mohamed Salah won and converted a penalty for a consolation goal on his return from injury but Egypt’s first World Cup in 28 years could be over in barely five days following a second straight loss. Ahmed Fathi poked the ball into his own net — for the fifth own goal of the tournament — to put Russia ahead in the 47th minute. It was the cruellest moment of the World Cup — a captain sparking his own team’s demise, which will likely see it bundled out of the tournament. “It’s a calamity really for the captain of Egypt, it really is,” the commentator said. “This is a crisis for Egypt. They’ve got to come up with something and fast.” GOAL! Own-goal! A crazy own-goal sees Fathi turn it into his own net. Russia lead 1-0. It's the fifth own goal of this World Cup. #RUSEGY #WorldCup #SBSTheWorldGame pic.twitter.com/NltI0awBqn — SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) June 19, 2018 Then Denis Cheryshev and Artyom Dzyuba scored in quick succession to leave Russia on course for a victory that followed up a 5-0 opening-night win over Saudi Arabia. It was Cheryshev’s third goal of the World Cup, putting him tied with Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the scoring chart. “It’s been a fatal cocktail for Egypt really, they just haven’t had enough creativity and invention up front and they have been, well, too many bad moments at the back at the start of the second half,” a commentator said. Russia’s place in the round of 16 will be assured if Uruguay wins or draws against the Saudis on Wednesday. Those two scenarios would also eliminate Egypt, which started with a 1-0 loss to Uruguay. The hopes of 100 million Egyptians were raised when Salah was selected in the starting line-up, the Liverpool forward making his comeback after nearly a month out with damaged ligaments in his left shoulder after a tangle with Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos in the Champions League final. Salah trotted out for his pre-match warm-up to roars from Egypt fans, who at times appeared to outnumber their Russian counterparts. They shouted every time Salah’s face flashed up on the big screen and when his name was announced before kick-off. Yet from the start, it was clear that Salah was staying out of anything too physical and there was no concerted effort from his Egypt teammates to pick him out each time. He didn’t touch the ball until the seventh minute. He did win the penalty — confirmed by the video assistant referee after Salah was pulled down by Roman Zobnin. He converted it in the 73rd minute, but it wasn’t enough. Egypt is still without a victory in six World Cup matches. Russia is nearly assured of advancing from the group stage for the first time since the Soviet era. Cheryshev, who entered the World Cup as a fringe player, is proving lethal in front of goal, with his latest a side-footed effort from close range from Mario Fernandes’ cross in the 59th minute. Dzyuba’s goal was more direct, the striker chesting down a long ball from defender Ilya Kutepov, beating his marker and curling home a low finish. Russia took advantage of Egypt’s defensive mistakes to cruise into a three-goal lead out of nothing. Fathi’s attempted clearance for the first goal was sloppy, as was Ali Gabr’s attempt at closing down Dzyuba for the third goal. Cheryshev continues to make those late runs in the area and is an unlikely leading scorer through two matches. — AP Share
Senegal completes group of chaos Japan became the first Asian nation to topple a South American opponent at a World Cup in the opening game of the night, then it was Senegal who became the first African nation in Russia to score. Senegal completed the chaotic night after defeating Poland 2-1 amid a sea of pure carnage. The drought was broken in the 37th minute after Idrissa Gueye’s shot on goal took a heavy deflection off Thiago Cionek and completely wrong-footed goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. The goal was officially listed as an own-goal for Cionek. It wasn’t until the second half that Poland registered their first official shot on goal when star striker Robert Lewandowski curled a free-kick up and over the wall. Thankfully for Senegal keeper Khadim N’Diaye was in the right place to stop the shot from entering the back of the net. The second goal was met with controversy after M’Baye Niang was waved back onto the field at an unusual time by the referee. Niang was standing on the sidelines after receiving treatment when he snuck back onto the pitch and pounced on a loose pass from Poland that sat into their final defender and their keeper. Niang managed to get his foot to the ball first and after getting around the keeper he ran into an empty goal and casually tapped in the games second goal. GOAL. Senegal leads Poland 2-0 https://t.co/MqrMxckGGP pic.twitter.com/HN7GJmSGjE — Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 19, 2018 Poland secured a late goal off of the head of Grzegorz Krychowiak in minute 86, but despite some heavy pressure in the dying minutes they were unable to secure the draw. Little too late for Poland.
Krychowiak, managed to score a late header, but it wasn't enough to get over Senegal.
Poland 1-2 Senegal #POLSEN #OptusSport #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/YX9hfVwbsn — Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 19, 2018 The results from Group H’s first two games have turned the World Cup on its head with the two favourites to advance out of the group now sitting firmly with their backs against the wall. Senegal’s first appearance back in the World Cup since 2002 got off to the perfect start and they’ll look to emulate their run into the quarterfinals. Share
History made after ‘bonehead play’ After making it all the way into the quarterfinal stages during the 2014 World Cup behind the play of eventual Golden Boot winner James Rodriquez, Colombia were looking to go one step further. Japan however had other ideas as they pulled off the stunning upset to claim the 2-1 victory in their opening encounter. The win for Japan is a historic one as it makes them the first Asian side to claim a win over a South American opponent in the World Cup. Only a matter of minutes into the clash it all went south for Colombia after defender Carlos Sanchez was shown a red card. Some quick Japanese ball movement saw them slice through the Colombian defence, and although goalkeeper David Ospina made the initial save, the ball stayed in play. After the ball deflected back into the middle of the pitch, a secondary strike was blocked by the right arm of Sanchez. The referee quickly pointed to the penalty spot before reaching into his pocket and pulling out the card. The send-off is the first of the World Cup and put Colombia squarely behind the eight ball, but they continued to push and attack. The move from Sanchez to block the shot with his hand was savagely ripped apart by ESPN’s Gabriele Marcotti. Carlos Sanchez is 32 years old. I know there's instinct and adrenaline, but saving a goalbound shot with your hand in an age of VAR just minutes into a WC game is the ultimate bonehead play. — Gabriele Marcotti (@Marcotti) June 19, 2018 After several chances went begging, they finally cracked through and levelled the score right before the halftime whistle thanks to a stunning goal. Juanifer Quintero earned a spot in the starting line-up after Colombia’s star striker James Rodriquez failed to overcome a left calf injury in time. Quintero sent his shot from just outside the box underneath the feet of the wall and watched as it slid into the goals where Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima tried desperately to keep it from crossing the line. WHAT A FREE-KICK! 1-1! Quintero levels for 10-man Colombia! What a game! WATCH on @SBS right now! #COLJPN #WorldCup #SBSTheWorldGame pic.twitter.com/mga7zTnJRO — SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) June 19, 2018 Unfortunately the disadvantage caught up with Colombia in the second half as Japan began to assert their dominance. On several occasions Japan carved their way deep into attack and continued to keep Ospina on his toes. The matchwinner was eventually delivered when Yuya Osako rose up from a corner kick and headed a ball goalwards. It deflected off of the right post and into the goal. With a little over 15 minutes remaining on the clock after taking the 2-1 lead, Japan boarded up their defence and held out Colombia to claim the historic win. Colombia’s hopes of replicating their stellar 2014 World Cup run becomes an increasingly tough task following the loss and means they’ll need to secure wins over both Poland and Senegal to ensure they advance out of the group stage. Japan now have a fantastic opportunity to move out of group H and into the round of 32. Share
Yuya Osako and his teammates celebrate Japan’s stunning win. (Filippo Monteforte / AFP / Getty Images)
Japan 2, Colombia 1
Group H, Mordovia Arena, Saransk
Take that, Olivia.
Scoring multiple goals for only the fourth time in 18 World Cup matches, Japan stunned Colombia, one of the darlings from the 2014 World Cup, with a 2-1 victory in their Group H match Tuesday in Saransk. The win was the first for an Asian team against a South American team in 18 World Cup meetings.
Yuya Osako’s goal in the 73rd minute was the winner as Japan defied the prediction by Olivia, a psychic parrot who had picked Colombia after a solid run of picks in the women’s World Cup and Rio Olympics. Japan prevailed over a Colombia team that played 87 minutes down a man.
Play had barely begun when Colombia was slapped with a red card that led to a 1-0 lead for the Japanese on a penalty kick by Shinji Kagawa. Three minutes in, Carlos Sanchez was called for a deliberate handball on what the referee determined was a shot that would have gone into the net. The red card — the first of this World Cup — means that Sanchez must sit out Colombia’s upcoming meeting with Poland. His departure also left Los Cafeteros shorthanded for the vast majority of Tuesday’s opener.
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Colombia evened the match on a free-kick goal by Juan Quintero in the 38th minute. That came after Makoto Hasebe and Radamal Falcao tangled in a collision that seemed inadvertent to many observers. Nevertheless, Quintero got the chance and equalized the score. Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima protested that the ball had not crossed the goal line, but human eyes as well as the VAR (video assistant referee) said otherwise.
Japan had been disappointing of late, with a performance that led to the firing in March of Coach Vahid Halilhodzic, but that’s all but forgotten now. And Los Cafeteros now desperately need a result against Poland.
What’s next
Colombia: vs. Poland in Kazan, June 24, 2 p.m.
Japan: vs. Senegal in Ekaterinburg, June 24, 11 a.m.
Poland and Senegal meet in Group H’s other matchup
Complete schedule, standings and results
***
In-game updates
Goal!
Japan stunned Colombia, taking a 2-1 lead on a goal by Yuya Osako in the 73rd minute, shortly after Keisuke Honda entered the game, replacing Shinji Kagawa.
Japan re-takes the lead thanks to a header from Osako! pic.twitter.com/y9HnWhl7iI — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 19, 2018
The goal came after Japan dominated the first 15 minutes of the second half, controlling the ball 73.8 percent of the time.
James Rodriguez enters the game
In the 58th minute, James Rodriguez, the 2014 Golden Boot winner and the Colombian hero from that World Cup, enters the match. His sore calf be damned, he’s in the game with Colombia down a man after Carlos Sanchez’s red card.
Rodriguez has shown signs of the calf strain since February, when he missed three weeks with pain in the calf. He missed three weeks in January 2017 with a similar injury. Rodriguez replaced Juan Quintero, who scored for Colombia.
Goal!
Colombia evened the match on a free kick by Juan Quintero in the 38th minute.
The Cafeteros got the opportunity for the kick after Makoto Hasebe and Radamal Falcao tangled in a collision that seemed inadvertent to many observers. Nevertheless, Quintero got the chance and equalized the score. Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima protested that the ball had not crossed the goal line, but eyes as well as the VAR (video assistant referee) said otherwise.
Cheeky free kick from Quintero!
The Colombian hits it under the wall and sneaks it into the near post to equalize vs Japan. pic.twitter.com/Q3qm22FYs0 — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 19, 2018
Goal!
Early in the match, Colombia was down one goal and one player.
Play had barely begun when Colombia was slapped with a red card that led to Japan taking a 1-0 lead on a penalty kick by Shinji Kagawa.
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Three minutes in, Carlos Sanchez was called for a deliberate handball on what the referee determined was a shot that would have gone into the net.
#MundialTelemundo Así fue la jugada del penal en contra de #COL ¿Fue bien expulsado Carlos Sánchez? pic.twitter.com/QRfpOaot8M — Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 19, 2018
The red card — the first of this World Cup — means that Sanchez must sit out the next match, after playing all of about three minutes in this game. His departure means Los Cafeteros are shorthanded for the rest of the match.
Kagawa slots home the penalty to give Japan the early lead after Carlos Sanchez's handball in the box! pic.twitter.com/Y9HXuLvGOV — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 19, 2018
The red card, ESPN reports, is the second-earliest in World Cup history.
#JPN takes an early 1-0 lead on a penalty by Shinji Kagawa, his 1st career #WorldCup goal.
Carlos Sánchez (#COL) received a red card in the 3rd minute, the 2nd-earliest red card in #WorldCup history (Jose Alberto Batista received one in the 1st minute for #URU in 1986) pic.twitter.com/ShRnS7lxv9 — ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 19, 2018
In the 30th minute, Coach Jose Pekerman made a surprise move, pulling Juan Cuadrado (apparently to his surprise) in favor of Wilmar Barrios.
Team profiles
Colombia
Last showing in the World Cup: Quarterfinals, 2014.
Best finish: Quarterfinals in 2014 in Brazil.
Notable: This is Colombia’s sixth World Cup appearance; it failed to qualify in three straight cycles before 2014.
FIFA world ranking: 16. ELO world ranking: 9.
Japan
Last showing in the World Cup: Group stage, 2014.
Best finish: Round of 16, 2002 and 2010.
Notable: Japan has been a World Cup fixture since 1998, alternating between elimination in the group stage and the round of 16.
FIFA world ranking: 61. ELO world ranking: 44.
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