FIFA World Cup 2018: Japan Make It To Round Of 16 Despite Poland Loss

The last Asian side left in the tournament Japan took on Poland, which was either team’s final game at the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. The final scoreline in Japan vs Poland was 1-2.

Japan who had won their first game of the tournament against Colombia, settled for a gritty draw against Senegal. The team had put themselves in a good place to get past the group stage. A positive result was needed against Poland who was already out of the competition.

However, The Samurai Blue didn’t start the game with the same intention. They appeared lethargic and out of it. It almost that the team had taken for status in the group for granted and would settle for a draw. Not a bad shout, as they would’ve topped the group if the game between Senegal and Colombia also ended up being a goalless draw.

Meanwhile, Poland wasn’t also the most enthusiastic of opponents. A feeling of a dud and dead rubber surmounted this game as absolutely nothing significant happened in the first half. The two sides went into the half-time with a goalless scoreline.

The second-half was a bit more pleasing to see for a football fan. Both teams were doing more on the ball, and intending to attack. The game was opening up and so were the players.

Even though Japan was the more aggressive team in the first 15 minutes of the second half, it was Poland who struck. In the 60th minute, Jan Bednarek scored for the European team and put a cautionary warning to their opponent. The Asian side was in danger of missing out on the Round of 16 spot.

Thankfully for them, Colombia scored one past Senegal, and with these scorelines, Japan would go through to the next stage. The team had to rely on this luck, as their attacking players were absolutely lost in the game. In the final third, they were putting forth a horrific performance, raising concerns for the management.

Poland finally got a win on their column at World Cup after a long time and will be pondering how they were the ones who finished last in this group.

Colombia and Japan will be facing either Belgium or England, depending on how the standings of their group will look like after the final game.