Japan spring a surprise and beat 10-man Colombia

Japan became the first Asian team to beat a South American counterpart, in this case Colombia, at the World Cup and claim a vital three points as Group H finally got underway.

A lot of fans can’t wait to see their country make their debut at the World Cup but Colombian supporters will be doing everything in their power to forget a nightmare opening five minutes.

Carlos Sanchez produced a fine last-ditch save to stop Japan taking the lead with just three minutes on the clock. The only problem for Carlos is that he’s a defender and not a goalkeeper. Call it a moment of madness, a rush of blood to the head, but it was an action which left the referee with no choice but to show him a red card, the first of the tournament. This meant Colombia would be a man down for the remaining 87 minutes of the contest.

Shinji Kagawa stepped up, cool as you like, and sent David Ospina the wrong way to get Japan off to a dream start.

To Colombia’s credit they didn’t sit around feeling sorry for themselves. Juan Cuadrado, arguably one of the brightest players for the South America side, was the man chosen to be sacrificed in order to get an extra man in defence after half an hour. A move which surprised most onlookers but ultimately proved a masterstroke as Colombia fought their way back into the match.

Juan Fernando Quintero, with more freedom up top now, channeled his inner Ronaldinho and produced a freekick the floppy-haired Brazilian would’ve been proud of. Sensing the Japanese wall would jump, Quintero rolled it underneath them and it crept into the corner of the goal. All this despite Eiji Kawashima's comical protests it didn’t cross the line.

While everyone can’t stop talking about VAR did people forget goal-line technology still exists?

It looked as if Japan were the team with 10 men as Colombia grew in confidence as the first half drew to a close.

However, half time was just what Japan needed to regroup and stamp their authority on the match again. Taking advantage of their numerical advantage they forced Colombia to waste energy trying to regain possession. This allowed for gaps to appear in their defence as Japan grew in confidence.

Just past the hour mark a corner was swung in and, while Colombia’s defending left a lot to be desired, the header from Yuya Osako was strong enough to beat Ospina and put Japan ahead on the scoreboard once again.

The goal destroyed Colombia’s resolve and not even the introduction of James Rodriguez could turn things around. Japan held on to see out a historical victory and have now given themselves every chance of qualifying for the next round at the World Cup.