Japan advances into knockout round despite 0-1 loss to Poland

Japan is the only team from Asia that made it through to the next stage of the World Cup despite its 0-1 defeat at the hand of Poland tonight at Volgograd Arena, Volgograd.   Jan Bednarek’s goal in the 60th minute gave Poland a 1-0 victory over Japan. But Colombia’s 1-0 victory over Senegal in Samara meant that fair play points had to be used to determine whether Senegal or Japan would advance from Group H.  Senegal and Japan are level on points, goal differential and goals scored, but had two fewer yellow cards than Senegal.  As a result, Japan moves into the knockout round  with Colombia coming out as group winner.