The H group fights started with a small surprise. Almost completely dominating the match, the Japanese national team defeated Colombia 2:1 and earned three points.
Colombia's World Cup campaign started catastrophically. In the third minute of the match, Carlos Sanchez was punished with a red card for a handball in the penalty area. On the 6th minute, Shinji Kagawa converted the penalty kick into a goal.
Later, the Japanese team had opportunities to score, but failed to double their lead.
However, in the 39th minute, Juan Quintero equalized the score with a penalty kick. The Colombian chose to kick the ball low, and all the Japanese players jumped over it. The Japanese goalkeeper managed to touch the ball and deflect it, but before that, the ball had crossed the goal line.
After the break, the Japanese team attacked the opponent's goal and created one dangerous opportunity after another. Eventually, the Japanese were able to break through the opponent's defense in the 73rd minute.
Keisuke Honda successfully lifted the corner kick, and Yuya Osako headed the ball into the net.
After this episode, Colombia was once again forced to attack. In a few minutes, Colombia could have equalized, but James Rodriguez's shot in front of the goal was too strong and didn't give Eiji Kawashima any work.
Colombia pressed their opponents for the remaining time, but could not create any dangerous chances.
Colombia 1:2 Japan 6' [0-1] S. Kagawa (penalty) 39' [1-1] J. Quintero 73' [1-2] Y. Osako 3' C. Sanchez (Colombia) red card
