Colombia may have wowed supporters at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, yet a crazy early sending off for the South Americans led to a 2-1 defeat to Japan in their opening group match. The underdogs were good value for their victory, working hard for the entire 90 minutes in order to pull off the surprise result.
A moment of madness for Carlos Sanchez
Not normally known for hot-headed moments, former Aston Villa midfielder Carlos Sanchez cost his team dearly when he deliberately handled the ball inside the penalty area on just three minutes. Not did Sanchez receive the first red card of the tournament, but the 32-year-old gifted Japan a penalty which was duly converted by Borussia Dortmund’s Shinji Kagawa.
It was the worst possible way for Colombia to start the match, making everything that followed a struggle and bringing disappointment to the hordes of yellow-clad supporters inside the Mordovia Arena.
A Strange Substitution
Coach Jose Pekerman clearly faced a dilemma after all the pre-match preparations were thwarted following the dismissal of Sanchez. The boss did not make a knee-jerk substitution however, instead waiting until the 30th minute of the match to make a change. Bringing on an extra defensive midfielder in Wilmar Barrios made perfect sense, however to remove winger Juan Cuadrado in his place raised more than a few eyebrows.
Nearly all the previous attacks had come through the former Juventus man, but still Colombia managed the equaliser after Juan Quintero found the net with a free-kick.
Odd Protests From Japan Goalkeeper
Thank goodness for goal-line technology. The system was introduced in order to avoid a situation like the one faced by England when a clear goal for Frank Lampard was incorrectly ruled out in the 2010 World Cup versus Germany. Yet even though – even to the naked eye – Quintero’s free-kick had clearly crossed the line, Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima thought it worthwhile to argue the case with the referee.
James Rodriguez wastes his chance
He may have scored in every game he played in World Cup 2014, earning the Golden Boot in that tournament, yet substitute James Rodriguez could not help Colombia this time out after he was introduced in the 60th minute. The former Real Madrid man was said to be nursing an injury, but no matter how fit he may have been, he wasted a golden chance to score when he blasted over in the 76th minute.
Osako provides the winner
Just as it looked as though Colombia may eventually find the winner, Japan’s hard work paid off with a headed goal from Yuya Osako from a corner. Unfancied before the match, Japan dominated the midfield and kept hold of the ball in order to bring home the shock result.
