A tight encounter in at the World Cup in Group H left the group looking very interesting as no team has really pulled away. After wins in their first game, this result left both teams on 4 points going into the final game week of the group.
Moments of brilliance leave an interesting World Cup group
The group remains a tight one coming into the final group stage game. This results gives advantage to both Japan and Senegal as they sit on 4 points in the group. A bit of poor defending gave Senegal the lead early on. Sadio Mané converted from close range after a large mistake from Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima. Japan equalised before the half with a curled shot from Takashi Inui. Inui is proving to be a truly bright spark in a determined Japan side at this World Cup. The sides went into the half level at 1-1.
The second half was as tight as the first. Senegal thought they had won it late on as defender Moussa Wagué scored a beautiful goal from a fantastic pass across the box. At 19, he became the youngest ever African to score at a World Cup. Japan left it late to equalise, scoring the equaliser in the 78th minute. Japan legend Keisuke Honda once again had a large part to play in the goal, as he did in the defining goal in their first game. Honda found himself in the box with the ball at his feet, while the goalkeeper was out of the box. Honda calmly played the ball into the net past two Senegalese defenders on the line. The teams left with a point a piece. Neither team is assured of qualification yet.
Man of the Match
Source: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
Takashi Inui is having a fantastic tournament so far, causing both Colombia and Senegal a lot of threat down the wing. In addition to an expertly taken goal in the first half, the Japanese midfielder put in a great effort to help his side come away with a point. Poland will have to careful if he continues to perform like this.
For more like this, visit our dedicated football page here. Meanwhile, follow us on Facebook for more opinions and analysis right to your timeline.