There have already been a number of rather stunning upsets early in the group stages of the World Cup, and Japan pulled off another in their match against Colombia on Tuesday.
Colombia was faced with some serious adversity, and Japan took full advantage. James Rodriguez, the winner of the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup, was unable to start for Colombia because of a calf injury. He eventually entered in the 60th minute with the score tied 1-1, but his presence was not enough for Colombia.
Japan took an early 1-0 lead on a penalty kick six minutes in. Carlos Sanchez was shown a red card on the play, but Colombia came back to tie the score on Juan Quintero’s goal in the 39th minute despite being a man down. Japan then broke the tie in the 72nd minute on a beautiful header from Yuya Osako.
Japan re-takes the lead thanks to a header from Osako! pic.twitter.com/y9HnWhl7iI
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 19, 2018
That was all Japan needed. The win, which was the first ever by an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) team over a South American (CONMEBOL) at the World Cup, left Twitter stunned.
Japan defeats Colombia 2-1.
This is the 1st ever win by an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) team over a South American (CONMEBOL) opponent at the #WorldCup (18th meeting). pic.twitter.com/YGWnjsN5JH
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 19, 2018
Japan beat Columbia? pic.twitter.com/KfczTX95Ad
— The Sports Quotient (@SportsQuotient) June 19, 2018
And another World Cup surprise from Japan
— OMAR (@Omar__cr7_) June 19, 2018
What a start for Japan!
— Kay Murray (@KayLMurray) June 19, 2018
JAPAN!
Nobody gave Asian teams a shot at this World Cup. Nobody.
So proud to finally see an Asian team got first victory.
— Pangeran (@pangeransiahaan) June 19, 2018
Japan beat Colombia after Iran beat Morocco, which means Asian teams have already achieved 2 wins in round 1 of World Cup 2018.
In World Cup 2014, Asian teams achieved 0 wins in the 3 rounds combined. Good stuff for Asian football. pic.twitter.com/CXm0Q1CiaI
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStat) June 19, 2018
It’ll be interesting to hear if the Japanese players received a message from their coach similar to the one Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osario gave to his players before their improbable win over Brazil. For those who like seeing underdogs win, the World Cup has been tremendous thus far.
