Sports Desk/ Muhammad Shakib

Asian giant Japan sealed their victory over the 10-men Colombia as they ended up in 2-1 goals win in their first match of FIFA World Cup 2018. The first game of group-H kicked off on Tuesday at 6 pm Bangladesh times in Mordovia Arena, Saransk, Russia.

Japan became first ever Asian team to beat any South American side in the history of world cup tournament. Pekerman set the starting lineup for Colombia without the Bayern superstar James Rodriguez. With the beginning of the game either side pushed forward to get a breakthrough in the game.

 The Japanese side got their early chance on the very first minutes of the game as the Colombian defender Carlos Sanchez was sent off due to the offense of hand ball inside the D-box to give away a penalty for Nishino’s men. Sanchez became the second player in the history of world cup to get a red card at a very early minute (3’). The Manchester United forward Shinji Kagawa gave the lead for the Japanese side with grass-cutting shot from the penalty spot.

With a goal’s lead, the Asian side began to play in a bit defensive way that troubled the Latin side to penetrate the ball into the net. Colombian skipper Radamel Falcao had several chances yet in vain.

On the 38th minute of the game, the official gave the Latin side a 25-yard distanced free kick when the Japanese defender Shoji made a serious tackle on Falcao. The Colombian attacking midfielder Juan Quintero made it equalize with a stunning free kick goal as the ball slide below the jumping defenders to penetrate into the net.

The second half began with the score board in the level condition as both the sides tried to make a lead with several counter attacks. The game changed on the 73rd minute of the match when Japanese forward Keisuke Honda chipped the ball into the box with a delightful cross and Yuya Osako with a splendid header lead the Asian side by 2-1 goals.

The Latin side tried their best to avoid the defeat till the last minute of the game but in the end with the referee’s whistle, the Japanese side overruled Colombia to create their new history in FIFA World Cup tournament.

Picture: Getty

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