Japan beat 10-man Colombia 2-1 in their opening Group H match on Tuesday, the first time an Asian team has overcome a South American one at the World Cup.
Colombia midfielder Carlos Sanchez was sent off in the third minute for deliberate handball - the second fastest red card in World Cup history.
Japan defeats Colombia 2-1.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 19, 2018
This is the 1st ever win by an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) team over a South American (CONMEBOL) opponent at the #WorldCup (18th meeting). pic.twitter.com/YGWnjsN5JH
Shinji Kagawa scored the resulting penalty to put Japan 1-0 up in the sixth minute, but Juan Quintero equalised with a low free kick which squeezed over the line shortly before halftime.
After the break, Japan pressed a tired Colombia side and Yuya Osako grabbed the winner with a glancing header in the 73rd minute.
Japan get a BIG win over 10-man Colombia to kick off group H! pic.twitter.com/vf9z15FxmT
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2018
Colombia attacking midfielder James Rodriguez, who was left out of the starting line-up due to muscle pain, replaced Quintero in the 59th minute but failed to change the course of the match.
