The Top Flight
Fansided

World Cup: Best of Group H – Japan joins Colombia on fair play tiebreaker

By Orri Benatar

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 28: Japan fans celebrate following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Japan and Poland at Volgograd Arena on June 28, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 28: Japan fans celebrate following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Japan and Poland at Volgograd Arena on June 28, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The most open group in the tournament ended in the most bizarre way. Second-place was determined for the first time by fair play points.

Group H can be best described as bizarre. It started with two upsets as Japan and Senegal beat Colombia and Poland respectively. It continued with a thrilling 2-2 draw between Japan and Senegal and then Colombia thrashing Poland, sending the Euro quarterfinalists home early.

The last games ended with two 1-0 wins as Colombia beat Senegal on Yerry Mina’s second header of the World Cup while Poland left with some pride as Southampton defender Jan Bednarek scored the winner off a corner. Colombia won the group while Japan and Senegal were tied on everything. Japan advance because of fair play points as they had two less yellow cards than Senegal did.

This is the first-time a team has to advance because of fair play and the first time since 1982 an African team isn’t going to the second round at the World Cup.

Best Game: Japan 2-2 Senegal

This game was open and both teams were attacking with an edge to their step. The three yellow cards Senegal got in this game ended up costing them a spot in the Round of 16. Keisuke Honda’s goal saved Japan and helped them get a point against the Lions of Tarenga.

https://twitter.com/YahooSports/status/1010926155648651268

Best Moment: Falcao’s first World Cup goal

Radamel Falcao had to miss the 2014 World Cup in Brazil due to injury. He was considered one of the best strikers on the planet then and he has had a winding road of ups and downs for the last four years. It was nice to see him score in the World Cup and send the thousands of Colombian fans into tears of joy.

Best Player: Juan Quintero

With James Rodriguez only playing one and a half halves of football, Colombia needed a midfielder to step up and Juan Quintero did just that. He controlled the midfield all three games and found so much space to create and score. The winners of Group H will look to him to get them back to the quarterfinals.

Best Goal: Cuadrado’s dagger from Rodriguez’s pass

Next: Best of Group E

Home/World Cup