Senegal out on fair play as Colombia and Japan advance on tense final day in Group H

Colombia and Japan are through to the knockout stages of the World Cup after a dramatic round of final games in Group H

Yerry Mina’s header gave Colombia a narrow victory over Senegal, while Japan lost to Poland, but went through courtesy of receiving less yellow cards than Senegal.

For much of the afternoon Senegal were coasting, however Mina’s goal in the 75th minute changed the complexion of the group completely and means there are no African sides in the final 16 of the tournament.

It was a tense end to an intriguing group. A late Senegal equaliser would have sent Japan out, whilst the Japanese knew that a second Poland goal or two yellow cards could cost them their place in Russia.

Whilst Senegal had chances, Poland appeared to settle for a 1-0 win, knowing what a second might do to their opponents’ chances. Japan’s players were not about to put in any aggressive tackles either.

AS IT UNFOLDED: Japan v Poland

AS IT UNFOLDED: Senegal v Colombia

It means that whoever finishes top of Group G out of England and Belgium will face Japan, whilst the runners-up will play the dangerous Colombia.

Senegal knew they only needed a point to go through whilst Colombia went into the game aware that they must win, or they’d have to rely on other results. But it was the Senegalease who took the game to Colombia and looked the most likely to break the deadlock.

VAR was involved in a fairly dull first-half, as replays proved that Davinson Sanchez timed his tackle on Sadio Mane perfectly, despite the referee originally pointing to the spot.

The South American’s main opportunities came from set-pieces and James Rodriguez limping off after 30 minutes was symbolic of their first-half display. The 2014 Golden Boot winner had barely touched the ball and Colombia were flat for such a big game.

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Meanwhile, Japan’s clash with Poland saw both sides go close. The Japanese surprisingly made a number of changes, reportedly because of concerns about the heat in Volgograd and the fact players may tire.

It was far from a classic, but Yoshinori Muto tested Lukas Fabianski from the edge of the box for Japan’s best chance and keeper Eiji Kawashima quite brilliantly clawing away Kamil Grosicki’s header. Goalline technology showing just how close it was to crossing the line.

A set of games that promised a lot had failed to ignite in the opening 45 minutes.

Whilst Colombia did improve after the break, it was a goal 528 miles away that brought their fans to life. Jan Bednarek found himself unmarked in the Japanese box and volleyed in from close range to finally give Polish fans something to cheer about.

That goal meant Colombia would be going through alongside Senegal and the noise from the Colombian fans clearly lifted their players, who attacked with renewed vigour.

And the noise raised another notch on 75 minutes. Barcelona’s Yerry Mina timed his run to perfection and powered a header beyond N’Diaye in the Senegalese goal. That strike meant that Senegal, who had looked comfortable and were far the better side before half-time, were suddenly staring an early exit in the face.

It did encourage them to come out of their shell after a quiet second half. M’Baye Niang immediately forced David Ospina into a save from close range – if the strike from a tight angle was either side of the keeper it would have flown into the back of the net.

They pumped balls into the box and the tension was palpable in both stadiums as the clock ticked down. Japan’s players were made to wait to find out their fate, with the Colombia game finishing 60 seconds later.

But Mina’s strike proved decisive for all three sides, as Senegal, who looked so dangerous in their opening two games, were left heartbroken and Colombia ended up topping the group.