The World Cup group stage continues, and some teams were sent home. In the latest game between Colombia and Japan, Colombia beat Japan 4-1 to reach the last 16 which ended the hopes of Japanese.
Colombia began the game brightly, with nine new starters from the previous game out to make an impression. Japan created the clearest opening of the early exchanges, however, with Makoto Hasebe’s raking pass picking out Yoshito Okubo who turned Eder Balanta inside out before snatching his shot into a crowed of bodies.
With the early goal, any argument for cautious tactics from either side was largely null and void. As Japan looked to hash out a reply, neat interplay between Okubo and Shinji Kagawa saw the Manchester United midfielder create space for himself well before forcing David Ospina to dive low to his right with a mis-hit shot.
Half time later, Colombia should have all but ended Japan’s hopes. With the last touch of the half Japan were level. Honda cut inside from right wing and delivered a delicate cross which found Okazaki, who had got goal-side of Carlos Valdes to head beyond Ospina.
The introduction of Rodriguez and Carlos Carbonero made the South Americans emerge with bright intentions.
Japan remained positive to the last minute despite the setback.
The biggest cheer of the night brust out when the whistle went. When Japan with one draw and two lose, one point, blowed out unfortunately. Colombia, three wins, nine points as the winner of Group C stormed into the Round of 16.Read more from: www.fifa14mart.com