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World Cup: Group H is group of life, except for Poland

By Esteban Bailey

KAZAN, RUSSIA - JUNE 24: Radamel Falcao of Colombia celebrates with teammate James Rodriguez after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Poland and Colombia at Kazan Arena on June 24, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
KAZAN, RUSSIA - JUNE 24: Radamel Falcao of Colombia celebrates with teammate James Rodriguez after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Poland and Colombia at Kazan Arena on June 24, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Day 11 of the World Cup provided scintillating attacks and some big blowouts as Group H continues to be the most fascinating group in the tournament.

A game with many twists and turns, Senegal and Japan proved their attacking ability was no one game wonder in this Group H nail-biter. Liverpool’s Sadio Mané opened the scoring after Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima’s goalkeeping error and it seemed that the Senegalese were on their way to a second victory in the group stage.

However, Japan was able to regain their footing and some slick ball movement found Eibar’s Takashi Inui with some space in the box and he delivered a delicious curled shot to equalize the match. It was a back and forth game throughout the early stages of the second half as Japan struggled with Senegal’s pace and power and Senegal struggled with Japan’s passing and counterattacking play.

Moussa Wagué became the youngest ever African to score at the World Cup with a powerful shot in the 71st minute. Japan decided to bring on Keisuke Honda and he made an instant impact, as he equalized in the 78th minute. Chances came for both teams in the final ten minutes, but in the end, they had to settle for the single point.

Japan and Senegal are still tied for 1st in Group H with four points, but neither clinched a spot in the Round of 16 yet.

The real Colombia show up and dump Poland out of the tournament

Colombia and Poland were the pre-tournament favorites to get out of Group H, but losses to Japan and Senegal respectively made this a true win or go home match for both nations. After a cagey start, Colombia started to assert their influence on the match and by the end of the first half, it was clear that Colombia was the better side.

James Rodriguez’s beautifully chipped the ball to Yerry Mina and his header opened the scoring right before halftime. After the restart, it was all Colombia and they put on a counterattacking masterclass that ripped the Polish defense to pieces.

Juan Quintero was a constant danger in the center of the pitch and his excellent through ball for Radamel Falcao’s first ever World Cup goal ended any chance of a Polish comeback. James completed the rout with an unbelievable assist to Juan Cuadrado that was pure class.

Poland and Lewandowski failed to show up at this tournament and they are now the first European team to be eliminated from the World Cup.

Next: World Cup power rankings after two group games

What’s Next?

Japan, Senegal, and Colombia are all in contention to move on to the Round of 16. Japan will face a demoralized Polish side, while Senegal and Colombia play in the other match.

A draw or win from Senegal and Japan will ensure their passage to the next round, while a Colombian victory is the only way to truly guarantee a spot for Los Cafeteros.

The final day of the group stage will likely be explosive with intrigue and drama.

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