Surprising winner in Group H while Egypt are all but out.
Group H
Colombia 1 vs. 2 Japan
The Samurai Blue became the first Asian team to beat a South American one after the Colombians shot themselves in the foot. A red card for Sanchez in the 3rd minute allowed Kagawa to give Japan the lead in the 6th minute. Colombia were still dominant in the first half and equalised through Quintero’s clever free kick in the 39th minute. Japan came out for the second half with renewed vigour and dominated the game creating plenty of chances. Osako gave Japan the lead in the 73rd minute via a brilliant header. Colombia seemed to lose their drive and suffered a opening game defeat in what is the group of death. Japan move to the top of the table with three points.
Poland 1 vs. 2 Senegal
Senegal got of to a winning start against Poland in the second Group H game. Cionek scored an own goal in the 37th minute to give Senegal the lead. Niang doubled the lead in the 60th minute after running on to a lose pass by Krychowiak and slotting the ball into the net. Krychowiak some what redeemed himself with a brilliant header in the 86th minute which brought the deficit back to one but it was not enough. The win moves Senegal to second on level with Japan while Poland remain third on zero points.
Group A
Russia 3 vs. 1 Egypt
Russia continue to surprise pundits and neutrals as their poor form seems to have evaporated into thin air. After having defeated Saudi Arabia by five goals they put three past an Egyptian side which was nowhere near as good as they were against Uruguay. After a stalemate in the first half Russia seemed to find another gear for the second as they gained the lead in the 47th minute via a Fathy own goal. Egypt who had started Salah for this game looked to deflate and in the 59th minute Cheryshev doubled the lead for the hosts. Three minutes later Dzyuba completed the route by adding the third. A penalty in the 73rd minute allowed a far from fit Salah to get Egypt’s first goal in the tournament but it was too little to late. Egypt in all likelihood will be going home after their game against Saudi while Russia have all but secured a place in the Round of 16 when many thought they would not.
Park The Bus 