Japan lost 1-0 to Poland, but ended up winners.
For the first time in World Cup history, Japan emerged from Group H and into the last 16 by virtue of having conceded fewer yellow cards then Senegal, also losers on the night.
In times past, extra time or drawing lots would have determined which country advanced, but with Japan and Senegal on identical points and goal difference, the ‘fair play’ rule was the predetermined method of arbitration.
Surely using the number of shots or corners rather than a disciplinary record makes more sense?
Be that as it may, the goal by the Poles gave them a 1-0 victory over Japan, who had their destiny in their own hands and should not have been relying on results elsewhere.
Inexplicably, Japan’s run-on team showed six changes for this all-important clash!
But they did create enough chances, with Leicester’s Shinji Okazaki heading wide and Yoshinori Muto and Gotoku Sakai both foiled by saves from Swansea City’s Lukasz Fabianski.
They had the better of a slow-moving, goalless first half played in sweltering conditions.
The apparent lack of urgency continued on the resumption but in the 58th minute the Japanese defence failed to deal with a wave of Polish attackers and Jan Bednarek of Southampton forced the ball home (1-0).
It seemed this could provide the spark the game needed, but as the game continued and word was out that Colombia were beating Senegal, the Japanese took their chances on the status quo remaining and ensured they did not leak another goal with ugly negative football.
A unique, extremely fortunate outcome for Japan, who might have reached their limit as far as their progress goes.
