Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Saransk: Japan defeated Colombia 2-1 in their opening FIFA World Cup Group H match on Tuesday, registering a historic first-ever win for an Asian side over South American opposition at the Finals.
Yuya Osako's 73rd-minute winner meant the Japanese avenged their 4-1 mauling in the group stages of Brazil 2014 as Colombia played with a man down for 87 minutes in Saransk.
After leaving Brazil without a win four years ago, Japan made a dream start to their Russia 2018 campaign even though head coach Akira Nishino was only appointed in April.
In an explosive start to the Group H clash, Colombia defender Carlos Sanchez earned the first red card of the tournament with a handball after just three minutes.
Japan took the lead when Shinji Kagawa netted the resulting penalty before Juan Quintero equalised with a free kick for Colombia to make it 1-1 at half-time.
Brazil 2014 topscorer James Rodriguez came on for the last half-hour after labouring in training with a calf strain but could not pull his side level after Osako's goal.
www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup/photo/album_-_fwc2018_group_h_colombia_v_japan.html
#ALBUM - FWC2018 Group H: Colombia v Japan