Japan made a World Cup history during the 2018 edition in Russia, becoming the first Asian country to defeat a South American team in football’s biggest competition.
The Asian country was indeed humiliated by this same Colombia team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when they were thumped 4-1. It was a miserable campaign for Japan as they failed to win a single match at the tournament.
However, Yuya Osako’s 73rd minute strike saved their blushes on this occasion as they made a World Cup history.
The game started slowly as both teams struggled to get into their strides. Tempers began to flare and it wasn’t long before Colombia’s Carlos Sanchez received an early shower for a handball. As you would expect, the red card changed the whole complexion of the game.
Shinji Kagawa put Japan ahead from the penalty spot to send the fans into frenzy. Colombia didn’t have to wait long for a response however, as Juan Quintero dragged the South American nation level.
The game seemed to be heading for a 1-all draw which would have been a fair result for both sides before Yuya Osako scored the winner.
The whole stadium erupted as Osako headed the ball in – a goal that has been engraved in the World Cup history books.
Speaking about the winning goal, Osako said, “Scoring a goal at the World Cup has been a huge dream for me ever since I was little, so I am extremely happy”.
On the other hand, the manager Nishino played down the impact of the goal insisting his players must keep their heads down and try to build on the win against Colombia.
