World Cup Matchday 6 Wrap

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Jun 19, 2018. 22:29

Matchday 6 of the 2018 World Cup featured a historic moment for Asian football, and mixed results for African sides Senegal and Egypt.

The day got underway in Saransk with a thrilling Group H clash between Colombia and Japan, which ended 2-1 in favour of the ‘Samurai Blue’ thanks to goals from Shinji Kagawa and Yuya Osako.

Colombia, whose goal was scored by Juan Quintero, played the majority of the match with 10 men after Carlos Sanchez picked up the second fastest red card in World Cup history, being dismissed in just the third minute.

The victory for Japan also brought up a significant piece of history for Asian football, as it was the first time a team from the continent defeated a South American side in the World Cup finals.

Africa has had a tough time of it at this World Cup, but today’s second game brought joy to the continent’s football fans as Senegal claimed a 2-1 win over Poland, thanks to an own goal from Thiago Cionek and a strike from Mbaye Niang.

The Teranga Lions looked a powerful unit and there is hope that they can repeat their heroics of 2002, especially with a superb central defensive pairing of Salif Sane and Kalidou Koulibaly and a potent attacking talisman in Sadio Mane.

From an African high, the final game of Tuesday brought a crushing low for the continent, as Egypt suffered a 3-1 loss at the hands of Russia to become the first team mathematically eliminated from the tournament.

The Pharaohs at least scored a goal through the returning Mohamed Salah, while Russia are all but through to the last 16 and their progression can be confirmed on Wednesday if Uruguay avoid defeat to Saudi Arabia.

Matchday 6, Tuesday 19 June – Results

Group H – Colombia 1-2 Japan

Group H – Poland 1-2 Senegal

Group A – Russia 1-3 Egypt