Japan slip through to last 16 despite Poland loss
VOLGOGRAD, Russia: Japan became the only Asian side to progress to the World Cup’s last 16 on Thursday, slipping through despite losing 1-0 against already-eliminated Poland thanks to their lower tally of yellow cards, which meant Senegal went out.
The ‘Samurai Blue’ needed a draw to definitely advance to the knockout rounds after they beat Colombia and drew with Senegal in the previous two games, reversing low expectations at the start of the tournament.
Yet they still progressed in second place on account of having…