Japan fight back twice to share points with Senegal

After two shock victories in their opening games, it was never likely that we were going to see many changes to either side's line-up, and Japan named exactly the same XI as the one that beat Colombia. Senegal made just one switch after their victory over Poland, swapping out Mame Birame Diouf for Badou Ndiaye in the attacking-midfield role. 

Senegal started well, dominating the chances for the first ten minutes, and they capitalised in minute 12, thanks to some good fortune. Full-back Youssouf Sabaly tried a shot from the left side of the box, and goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima made the naive decision to punch it with both fists instead of catching it. Standing right in front of him was Sadio Mane, and the ball ricocheted straight into the net off his leg to give the 'The Lions of Teranga' the lead.

After the goal the game became more even, with Japan clearly eager to level things up. They showed more attacking intent, and after a few opportunities they were able to find a goal in the 34th minute. Yuto Nagatomo received the ball behind the back-line after a smart run, and he drove into the box down the left. The defender fed Takashi Inui, who jinked left then right, before letting loose a curling shot which flew into the bottom right corner.

 

June 24, 2018

Japan grew into the game further after the equaliser, and threatened to strike again before the break, but the sides went back to the dressing rooms with the score level at 1-1. After the break the game was equally well-contested, with Japan slightly more threatening than their opponents.

However, again it was Senegal who took the lead, this time thanks to young right-back Moussa Wague. The third goal of the game came in the 71st minute after some tricky skill in the box from Youssouf Sabaly to earn himself some space. Sabaly cut it across the face of goal and Niang was waiting yards out, however the forward opted to flick it on behind him. Steaming down the right into the box was 19-year-old Wague, who blasted the ball over the keeper into the roof of the net.

 

June 24, 2018

Akira Nishino made two offensive changes straight after the goal, bringing veterans Shinji Okazaki and Keisuke Honda into action, and his decision was almost instantly vindicated. The two subs were both involved as Japan pulled it back once again, scoring in the 78th minute. Senegal will look back in frustration at the goal, though, as it was created by a failed punch from goalkeeper Khadim N'Diaye, which saw the ball fall to Inui on the byline. The ball was fed back into the centre and Okazaki occupied the keeper, leaving Honda free to slot home into an open goal to make it 2-2.

 

June 24, 2018

Neither side held back in the final stages, both looking to secure all three points, but in the end they both had to settle for one. The result puts them both on four points, meaning that their fate is in their own hands going into the final game of the group stages, when Japan take on Poland and Senegal take on Colombia.