Colombia 1-2 Japan, Group H, World Cup 2018 Russia: report
Colombia had Carlos Sánchez sent off in the fourth minute, and went 1-0 down from the resulting penalty. A Quintero free-kick gave them hope, but Japan made their extra man count in the end in the opening game of Group H of the World Cup 2018.
Colombia 1-2 Japan: match report
On paper, and with most commentators on the World Cup, this was a game for James, Falcao, Cuadrado and co. to get their campaign off to a positive start. But what was to happen in the first few minutes was to affect the whole game. Japan took the three points, and will now be more than hopeful of making it out of the Group H.
The big news before kick-off was that Colombia's talisman James Rodríguez was deemed not fit enough to start. The huge news shortly after the referee blew his whistle was that Carlos Sánchez was heading down the tunnel after seeing red for a shot-blocking arm. As the Espanyol player walked away he heard the eruption of cheers from the animated Asian fans who saw Shinji Kagawa slot home the spot kick of his creation.
A goal up; a man up. Japan had a choice to make and whether driven from recently installed manager Akira Nishino, or a decision on the pitch, Japan's foot was taken off the gas before it really had a chance to accelerate into whatever the original game-plan was. Colombia looked determined and had enough of the key plays in the majority of the first half to deserve an equaliser, which arrived just five minutes before the break. Quintero took control of the situation, fired the ball low and under the less-than-great wall of Japan, and there was enough power for it to squeeze in at the post ahead of a scrambling Kawashima.
Half-time killed the Colombian flow
The break came and there was a feeling that it was 10-man Colombia now had the momentum - as well as a certain James on the bench - who could take the game by the scruff of the neck. It did not turn out that way.
Japan came out positive, on the front foot, and clearly with an intent of getting as much out of the game as they could given the circumstances handed to them so early. Colombia offered little, and manager José Pékerman brought James on to make the required difference. For a few minutes there was a sense it had worked, but that didn't last. In the end, Japan caused the most problems . in a much less enterprising spell from both sides, it should be noted - and got their reward in the 73rd minute when Osaka rose highest to nod home a corner.
Colombia 1-2 Japan: how it happened
Colombia vs Japan: preview
Colombia come into their first World Cup game in Russia with their expectations high. Coach Pékerman has two of the big names of this generation: Falcao and James. And El Tigre (The Tiger), as the Monaco striker is known, comes into the tournament in fine form, having fought for his right to be in Russia for the past four years. James however is a doubt, suffering from a calf muscle strain apparently, although Pékerman is using the situation to his advantage, concealing his potential starting line-up.
Although Colombia were spotty in qualifying, both in terms of results and football, the experience of their players and the solid length of time preparing for the tournament make them firm favourites for this match against Japan. The Asian side's focus is on order, discipline and fast counter-attacks, meaning Colombia will have possession and will need to make it count, relying on their other big names such as Cuadrado (who may be a doubt to start today) and Muriel.
New boy Nishino
Japan coach Nishino hasn't been in the job long. The 63 year old is at his first World Cup, having taken over in April. This though is Japan's sixth time at the biggest event in sport, and they have players of the experience and talent of Nagatomo, Honda and Inui. The last time they met was in Brazil 2014, where Colombia thrashed Japan 4-1 in Cuiabá.