Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Saransk: Yuya Osako was elated after achieving “a lifelong dream” as his goal secured Japan a 2-1 win over Colombia in Saransk on Tuesday, a result which boosts the hopes of Akira Nishino’s side of advancing to the Round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
Osaka’s 73rd minute header was the difference between the sides as the Japanese made the most of their one-man advantage over the South Americans, who saw Carlos Sanchez sent off with just three minutes on the clock.
Shinji Kagawa gave Japan the lead from the penalty spot only for Juan Quintero to level the scores six minutes before the break.
But Nishino’s side took the initiative in the second half and, after creating a string of chances, Osako pounced 17 minutes from time to give Japan their first World Cup win since a 3-1 triumph over Denmark in 2010.
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.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Rostov-On-Don: Saudi Arabia will be on a mission to keep their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia hopes alive when they face Uruguay in their second Group A match at the Rostov Arena on Wednesday.
Having experienced starkly contrasting fortunes in their respective openers, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay return to Group A action with a potentially make-or-break meeting for the Asian side.
Saudi Arabia are raring to reignite their hopes of advancing by ending a winless run at the tournament that stretches back to USA 1994, when they beat Belgium thanks to Saeed Al-Owairan's famous solo strike.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Kazan: Islamic Republic of Iran did their homework ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and boosted by their 1-0 win over Morocco in their opening Group B match, Team Melli will go into their clash against Spain at the Kazan Arena on Wednesday with their confidence sky high.
While there was undoubtedly an element of luck about their late win against Morocco last Friday, the team did exactly what was expected of them – play with passion.
It was clear from the outset that a draw from the opening match would almost certainly not be enough for the Asian side to make it out of such a high-quality group.
With three points under their belts, they are now at the top of Group B and brimming with confidence.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Kazan: Australia battled hard and defended well but were eventually beaten 2-1 by France through a spot-kick and a deflected shot.
Several weeks of preparations were over, and it was time for Bert van Marwijk's Australia side to demonstrate their worth as they opened their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign against France. A resilient defensive display was on show but two second-half strikes were enough for Les Blues to walk away with the three points.
Having scored three goals in as many matches in their last FIFA World Cup, the Socceroos opened their account courtesy of a Mile Jedinak penalty kick, but more attacking impetus will be required if they are to advance to the next round.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Saint Petersburg: Islamic Republic of Iran recorded the first win for Asian teams at the 2018 FIFA World Cup courtesy of a late own goal from Moroccan defender Aziz Bouhaddouz.
Team Melli showed lots of grit and determination to overcome a talented Morocco side in their opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign on Friday.
Having not been able to create many chances, IR Iran were made to wait until the dying seconds to grab a winner as Ehsan Hajsafi's cross from a free-kick was sent into the back of the net by Bouhaddouz's misdirected flying header.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Moscow: Saudi Arabia could not keep up with the rampant hosts as they opened their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 5-0 defeat on Thursday.
Juan Antonio Pizzi's side dominated possession and passed the ball accurately throughout the match but their lack of urgency meant they could not bring the ball into the final third and failed to record a single shot on target all night.
Defensively, the Green Falcons were far from their best as they allowed Russia to physically dominate and score at will despite not spending extended spells of time in the Saudi defensive third.