15th Match FIFA World Cup 2018
15th Match FIFA World Cup
2018
JAPAN beat COLOMBIA 2-1 in
World Cup 2018
v Japan earn
Asia's first-ever World Cup win over South American opposition
v Carlos Sanchez
suffers the second-fastest dismissal in World Cup history
v RELIVE: As it
happened, stats
In catching Colombia cold at the Mordovia Arena, Japan earned
their first ever win over Los Cafeteros, avenging their 4-1 defeat to the same
opponents at Brazil 2014, and picked up three precious points in their bid to
advance from Group H.
The game began at a frenetic pace, with Japan forcing a penalty
that led to a red card for Colombia defender Carlos Sanchez allowing Shinji
Kagawa to put the Asian side ahead from the spot. Cafetero coach Jose Pekerman
shuffled his pack to give his side a chance of overcoming their numerical
disadvantage and getting back into the game. Battling for every ball, Colombia
captain Radamel Falcao earned the free-kick from which Juan Quintero equalised
before half-time.
Japan dominated the second half, creating a series of chances
before Yuya Osako headed in the winner from a set-piece. This time there was to
be no comeback, despite the arrival of James Rodriguez and Carlos Bacca on the
pitch and a valiant late push by Los Cafeteros.
Team reporter analysis
Alejandra Rueda, Colombia [Follow on Twitter | Facebook]
After having a man sent off and falling behind from the spot early on, Colombia regained their balance thanks to some midfield switches, probing down the flanks and ultimately pulling level. Los Cafeteros were made to suffer by their opponents in the second half, however, and having endured the toughest of starts Falcao and Co now have to ponder their approach to their next two matches.
Alejandra Rueda, Colombia [Follow on Twitter | Facebook]
After having a man sent off and falling behind from the spot early on, Colombia regained their balance thanks to some midfield switches, probing down the flanks and ultimately pulling level. Los Cafeteros were made to suffer by their opponents in the second half, however, and having endured the toughest of starts Falcao and Co now have to ponder their approach to their next two matches.
Hidetoshi Suzuki, Japan [Follow
on Twitter | Facebook]
Coach Akira Nishino’s plans worked to perfection as Samurai Blue got just the result they were hoping for. Pushed on to the back foot after taking the lead, the Japanese were unable to add to it on the counter and conceded an equaliser just before the break. Regaining control after the interval, the carved out several chances before making the points theirs.
Coach Akira Nishino’s plans worked to perfection as Samurai Blue got just the result they were hoping for. Pushed on to the back foot after taking the lead, the Japanese were unable to add to it on the counter and conceded an equaliser just before the break. Regaining control after the interval, the carved out several chances before making the points theirs.
Budweiser Man of the Match
Japan forward Osako was fully involved in the game right from the start, winning the ball to start the move that led to Japan’s early penalty. He then rose above the Colombian defence to nod in his side’s winner.
Japan forward Osako was fully involved in the game right from the start, winning the ball to start the move that led to Japan’s early penalty. He then rose above the Colombian defence to nod in his side’s winner.
The stat
1 - Quintero became the first Colombia player in history to
score at two World Cups. For their part, Japan became the first Asian side to
beat South American opposition in the competition’s history.
What’s next
Japan-Senegal | Group H, 24 June,
Ekaterinburg
Poland-Colombia | Group H, 24 June, Kazan
Page blog source:www.fifa.com/
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