Fifa World Cup: how two fewer yellow cards meant Japan survived despite 1-0 loss to Poland
The Samurai Blue go behind in the 59th minute when an unmarked Jan Bednarek scores from close range
The Samurai Blue, who had needed only a draw to qualify from group H, went behind in the 59th minute when Poland’s Rafal Kurzawa floated a free kick to the far post and an unmarked Jan Bednarek scored from close range.
Until then, Japan had looked content to contain Poland in stifling heat in Volgograd and they left in-form midfielder Takashi Inui on the bench until they were chasing an equaliser.
Poland’s star striker Robert Lewandowski missed a good chance to double the lead in the 74th minute, meaning he failed to score in all three matches he played at the World Cup in Russia.
The game finished in farcical circumstances with both Japan and Poland happy with the result and content to play keep-ball.
