Samurai put Colombia to the sword

Colombia were roared on by over 70% of the fans in attendance, many of whom were hoping to see their idol, James Rodriguez, in action. Unfortunately for them, the Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup was a shock exclusion from the starting XI as he is still struggling with a calf problem.  

Three minutes into the game and all thoughts of James were gone from the minds of everyone. Japan broke and looked certain to score, only for Carlos Sanchez to deliberately stick an arm out and divert the ball away from goal. It had shades of Luis Suarez’s infamous incident against Ghana, only this was 2:56 into the game, not at the end of extra time.

Sanchez was given his marching orders, and Japan a penalty, which Shinji Kagawa duly dispatched down the middle of the goal. 85 minutes left on the clock and they were a goal and a man down.

However, the brought themselves back into the game admirably, and for most of the first half looked like the better side. Juan Cuadrado was particularly threatening down the right hand side, before he too was subbed off with an injury.

Six minutes before half time and Colombia did draw level. Falcao earnt a soft foul on the end of the box, and Juan Quintero passed it under the wall and past Kawashima in goal. It only just went over the line but they all count, and Quintero has become the first Colombian to score at two seperate World Cups.

The second half was a much more cagey affair, with neither team willing to take any risk that might see them concede. Not even the introduction of James on the hour mark could spark life into the game. However, Japan eventually made their advantage count.

Having defended so admirably with a man down, Colombia will be furious with the way they conceded. A simple corner from the left was headed past Ospina by Osako, and the Asian side was back in front.

Colombia tried their best to get back into it, but Japan held firm, and what was already a competitive group has been blown wide open. The South Americans were tipped to win but not by much, and they now find themselves needing a result against Poland and Senegal - no easy task.

 

19 June 2018