Japan qualified for the knockout stage of the World Cup for the third time despite a 1-0 loss to Poland.
Below are four talking points from the game.
1. Japan through despite defeat
In the end, Japan and Senegal were separated on the fair play ruling, with the former securing second spot thanks to their lower tally of yellow cards. There was nothing else to choose between the two teams after three matches in Group G, but the Samurai Blue did not do themselves any favours in their final first-round outing.
Japan have impressed with their patient possession play up to now, but their passing was sterile for much of this encounter. Indeed, despite having a 63% share of the ball after half-time, the Asian nation did not land a single shot on target in the second period. They will need to improve in their round of 16 clash with either Belgium or England.
2. Poland salvage some pride with win
Poland were the top seeds in Group G, but they have flattered to deceive in Russia and have been one of the biggest disappointments of the group phase. Adam Nawalka’s charges were playing for nothing more than pride here following back-to-back defeats by Senegal and Colombia, but they at least ended on a high with a deserved 1-0 victory.
Jan Bednarek’s fine volley was enough for them to triumph, but this result does not alter the fact that the Poles should have done better at this World Cup. Given that they possess one of the oldest squads in the competition, there is plenty of rebuilding work to be done.
3. Nishino’s rotation puts side at risk
Akira Nishino sprung a surprise by making six changes to his starting XI despite the fact Japan still needed a point to guarantee qualification for the knockout stage. Shinji Kagawa, Makoto Hasebe and Takashi Inui were among the big names to drop out here, and the decision almost backfired – had Senegal drawn with Colombia, Japan would be heading home.
It has also halted Japan’s momentum after two good displays against Colombia and Senegal. Fielding a strong side could also have helped the Samurai Blue top the group, rather than scrape through in second spot on the fair play ruling.
4. Who would England and Belgium prefer to face?
There has been much talk over whether or not England and Belgium should try and finish second in Group G, which would theoretically hand either side a more straightforward route to the final from the last eight onwards. A runners-up placing would see the Three Lions or the Red Devils avoid the half of the draw which features Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Portugal, although it would also bring a tougher round of 16 encounter.
Colombia were unfortunate in their one defeat in the group stage, going down to 10 men against Japan early on. Jose Pekerman’s men are a stronger team than the Samurai Blue, who are eminently beatable despite having exceeded expectations up to now.
