The 2018 edition of World Cup has not been kind to the big boys of world football. After the likes of defending champions Germany, Brazil, Argentina and Spain slipped over the first four days, Japan pulled off the biggest upset of the ongoing edition of the quadrennial global spectacle on Tuesday, June 19.
Akira Nishino's men stunned Group H favourites Colombia, who were reduced to 10 men as early as inside the first five minutes of the match. The 61st-ranked side also became the first-ever Asian team to beat a South American opponent at the World Cup finals.
Goals from Yuya Osako and Shinji Kagawa helped Japan clinch the historic win at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk. Notably, this was also the first time an Asian team had scored two goals against a South American opponent at the biggest event in world football.
Japan, who clinched only their fifth World Cup finals win on Tuesday, were handed a big boost when Colombian midfielder Carlos Sanchez was sent off for a deliberate handball as early as in the third minute.
Japan's five #FIFAWorldCup match victories
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) June 19, 2018
beat..
1. Russia 1-0 in 2002
2. Tunisia 2-0 in 2002
3. Cameroon 1-0 in 2010
4. Denmark 3-1 in 2010
5. Colombia 2-1 in 2018#ColJPN#FIFAWorldCup2018
Former Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa put Japan in the lead by converting from the spot. However, the Los Cafeteros equalised in the 39th minute through Juan Quintero's free-kick.
Golden Boot boot winner of World Cup 2014, James Rodriguez was held back by Jose Pekerman until the 59th minute of the match. Notably, the Bayern Munich forward had a calf problem in the lead up to their World Cup opener.
The biggest moment of the match came when Osako leaped high in a packed box to head in a perfectly-taken corner.
The Blue Samurai had troubled their higher-ranked opponents by constantly pressing and finding spaces. Sachez's sending off only gave more aided Japan's style of play on Tuesday.
Japan brilliantly held on to their lead against the 10-men Colombia by dominating the possession in the final minutes to top Group H, which is considered one of the most open among the eight in Russia.
IBTimes, India has compiled a list of reactions to Japan's historic win. Check them out below.
Assim nem é justo... #COLJPN pic.twitter.com/exxuy4ax7y
— Betclic Portugal (@BetclicPortugal) June 19, 2018
La fête bat son plein en Colombie ! #COLJPN #CM2018 pic.twitter.com/EOrnWv1AAw
— Octane⭐ (@Octane_OM) June 19, 2018
#COLJPN colombia are paying the price for Keeping Their main man James Rodriguez on the bench for the majority of the match... Well done Japan... This #WorldCup is one for the Underdogs.
— आज़ाद (@jlo_azad) June 19, 2018
Even though an opposition's red card was certainly a contributing factor, their quality, in terms of passing and movement, for instances, is certainly a step above their regional counterparts. #WorldCup #COLJPN
— Gilang Nouval (@BrachMovic) June 19, 2018
Congratulations Japan ?????? Happy for you :) #COLJPN #JPN pic.twitter.com/YRTH6HheLl
— Captain Guardiola ⚽ (@CaptnGuardiola) June 19, 2018
Thoroughly impressive how Japan played down the clock with calm possession football in the last 10 minutes. Colombia hardly with a scoring chance in the second half. Deserved win for the Blue Samurai and karma for Falcao’s embarrassing antics. #COLJPN
— Stefan Buczko (@StefanBuczko) June 19, 2018
Yakuza > Escobar
— Antonio De Dios (@webadedios) June 19, 2018