Japan lost
to Poland 1-0 in its final match of the group stage, but thanks to Colombia's
1-0 win over Senegal and an uncommon World Cup tiebreaker rule, the Blue
Samurai are through to the round of 16 as Group H's runner-up over the African
nation.
In a crazy,
unforeseen tiebreaker, Japan finished with four points just like Senegal. And
because they had the same amount of points, goal differential, goals scored,
goals conceded and drew each other, the tiebreaker went to FIFA Fair Play
points, which means the team with the fewer infractions advances.
Japan
received two fewer yellow cards (four) in the group stage, while Senegal had
six yellow cards. As a result, Senegal heads home and Japan survives to play at
least another game.
Jan Bednarek
scored the lone goal for Poland as they end the tournament with three points
and a consolation win over Japan.
Playing
cleaner was the difference, and Japan will now face the winner of Group G,
which will be either Belgium or England, in the round of 16 on Monday at 2 p.m.
ET.
Senegal 0-1
Colombia
Japan 0-1
Poland
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