FIFA World Cup: Japan enter pre-quarters despite losing to Poland
By Arul
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Japan lost 0-1 to Poland in their final Group H contest here on Thursday but still managed to go through to the FIFA World Cup pre-quarterfinals. Following the loss, thanks to Jan Bednarek's 59th-minute strike, Japan have four points -- the same as third-placed Senegal but the Asian powerhouse are ranked second in the group on the basis of fair play (number of yellow and red cards collected). Colombia, who defeated Senegal 1-0 in Samara, topped Group H with six points. Poland have three points from three games and are in the fourth and final spot in the group.
Credit: (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)
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Jan Bednarek (3rd from L) of Poland scores during the second half of a World Cup Group H match in Volgograd in Russia on June 28, 2018. Japan advanced to the round of 16 despite a 1-0 loss to Poland.
Credit: (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)
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Eiji Kawashima of Japan makes a save during the first half of a World Cup Group H match against Poland in Volgograd, Russia, on June 28, 2018. Japan advanced to the round of 16 despite a 1-0 loss to Poland.
Credit: (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)
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Jan Bednarek (R) of Poland scores during the second half of a World Cup Group H match against Japan in Volgograd in Russia on June 28, 2018. Japan advanced to the round of 16 despite a 1-0 loss to Poland.
Credit: (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)
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Supporters celebrate Japan's qualifying while watching Japan's third World Cup football match in Group H against Poland at a public viewing in Tokyo on June 29, 2018.
Credit: (Photo by KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images)
