Japan stuns 10-man Colombia with pair of set-piece blows

Japan made its numerical advantage count against Colombia on Tuesday, scoring off a penalty and a corner kick to record an unlikely 2-1 win at the Mordovia Arena.

Colombia played most of the match with just 10 men after Carlos Sanchez handled the ball in the third minute. It somehow still dominated possession in the first half, only to relent in the second and allow the Blue Samurai to become the first Asian team to beat a South American opponent at a World Cup.

Sanchez left his teammates with a monumental task when he stretched out his arm to stop Shinji Kagawa's clear shot at goal. Match official Damir Skomina had no choice but to brandish the second-quickest red card in the tournament's history, and Kagawa dispatched the spot-kick with ease.

Los Cafeteros didn't let their heads drop, however, controlling much of the play for the remainder of the opening stanza. Radamel Falcao had two close-range attempts saved before earning the free-kick that led to the equaliser. Tricky River Plate midfielder Juan Quintero expertly took the set piece, sneaking the ball under the wall and into the bottom corner for a crucial tally. Despite goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima's protestations, it was confirmed by goal-line technology.

It was a different proposition for the final 45 minutes. Japan's approach turned aggressive, and Colombia took risks that left it exposed. Head coach Jose Pekerman's decision to bring on both James Rodriguez and Carlos Bacca backfired, as Colombia lost the midfield battle and eventually conceded the costly winner.

Yuya Osako, who started in place of the unfit Shinji Okazaki, met Keisuke Honda's corner with a strong header past meandering shot-stopper David Ospina. It was the 20th goal from a set piece at the 2018 World Cup.