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Russia 2018: Osako's header stuns 10-men Colombia as Japan win 2-1

By Mubarak Haruna
Japan beat Colombia 2-1
Japan beat Colombia 2-1
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FC Köln's forward Yuya Osako struck late as Japan kick-started their Russia 2018 World Cup with a 2-1 win over Columbia in Group H.


Japan opened the scoring through a penalty caused by Carlos Sanchez who deliberately blocked the shot with his hand from the effort of Shinji Kagawa.

The captain Kagawa stood up and converted the penalty to give his side the early lead.

Carlos Sanchez was sent off as a result of the handball in the 18-yard box which became the second quickest red card in the history of the World Cup.

After Japan had taken the lead, the Colombian's grew and began committing more men forward which eventually paid off in the first
half as Juan Quintero's clever rolling free kick from just outside the penalty area sneaked inside the post, just past the outstretched hand of Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, to level things up before the break.

Japan capitalised on the red card by pressuring the Colombians in the second half. Finally, Yuya Osako popped up with a
vital header which sealed the victory for the Japans.

Read also:Russia 2018: Top 5 goals so far

Japan top the group as Senegal play Poland later.

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