Japan’s Yuya Osako celebrates scoring their second goal. Photo: Reuters
KATHMANDU: Yuya Osako and Shinji Kagawa notched goals to defeat ten-man Colombia at Mordovia Arena in Saransk, Russia today.
Yuya Osako scored a decisive header off Honda’s corner in the 73rd minute.
Shinji Kagawa gave Japan an early lead from the penalty kick before one man down Colombia equalised with seven minutes before the first half.
Yuya Osako lashed into a long punt before drilling a low shot from the centre of the box well saved by onrushing Ospina before the rebound fell to Shinji Kagawa who hit it the first time.
However, Carlos Sanchez deliberately outstretched his hand to prevent the ball from going in, promoting Estonian referee to point to the spot kick.
Kagawa strode up to struck the penalty kick, low, hard and straight shot in the middle of the net as Ospina had dived to his right.
However, 10-men Colombia equalised in the 39th minute of the game courtesy of clever Juan Quintero free-kick into the bottom right corner of the net.
After the break, Japan came out all guns blazing and drew of a couple of saves from David Ospina.
Colombia coach Jose Pekerman sent in James Rodriguez in place of the goal scorer to inject impetus into the game. He nearly scored for his team from close range before Japanese defender sliding tackle deflected the ball up and over the bar.
In today’s other fixtures, Poland will take on Senegal before the hosts Russia lock horns with Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the late kick-off.
Colombian midfielder Carlos Sanchez became the first player to be sent off in this edition of World Cup.
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