World Cup: Japan see-off 10-man Colombia 2-1

Japan’s Yuya Osako celebrates scoring their second goal. Photo: Reuters

KATHMANDU: Yuya Osako and Shinji Kagawa notched goals to defeat ten-man Colombia at Mordovia Arena in Saransk, Russia today.

Yuya Osako scored a decisive header off Honda’s corner in the 73rd minute.

Shinji Kagawa gave Japan an early lead from the penalty spot before one man down Colombia equalised with seven minutes before the first half.

Yuya Osako lashed onto a long punt before drilling a low shot from the centre of the box well saved by onrushing Ospina before the rebound fell to Shinji Kagawa who hit it first time, goal at his mercy.

However, Carlos Sanchez deliberately outstretched his hand to prevent the ball from going in, promoting Estonian referee to point to the spot kick.

Kagawa strode up to struck the penalty kick, low, hard and straight into the middle of the net as Ospina dived the other way to his right.

However, 10-man Colombia equalised in the 39th minute of the game courtesy of clever Juan Quintero free-kick into the bottom right corner of the net.

After the break, Japan came out all guns blazing and drew of a couple of saves from David Ospina.

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman sent in James Rodriguez in place of the goal scorer to inject impetus into the game. He nearly scored for his team from close range before Japanese defender sliding tackle deflected the ball up and over the bar.

Colombian midfielder Carlos Sanchez became the first player to be sent off in this edition of World Cup.

In today’s other fixtures, Poland will take on Senegal before the hosts Russia lock horns with Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the late kick-off.