Yerry Mina’s header in the 74th minute proved to be the decisive goal of the match as Colombia edged past Senegal 1-0 to book a place in the round of 16. By virtue of this defeat Senegal exited the tournament having received more yellow cards than Japan.
Colombia went into the match having had to get a draw if Japan lose or a win if Japan go undefeated. Abel Aguilar was rested as a precaution after being forced off against Poland due to injury, so Mateus Uribe started and fellow midfielder Carlos Sánchez returned after a one-game ban in place of Wilmar Barrios.
Senegal made a bright start in the match creating a lot of chances. They were rewarded with a penalty in the 17th minute but was taken back after Davinson Sanchez’s tackle was deemed fair by the VAR. Throughout the first half Colombia were the second best team as they couldn’t play to their best. James Rodriguez also had to be withdrawn on the half hour mark as he suffered a calf injury.
Coming back from break Colombia improved their game play when compared to the first 45. Once having known that Poland had taken the lead vs Japan, the Colombian crowd went berserk. This reflected in their teams performance as Yerry Mina converted a corner in the 76th minute to give his team the lead.
Senegal then tried all their best to equalise but all their efforts went win vain. Thus Colombia and Japan go through finishing 1st and 2nd respectively. Senegal finish 3rd by virtue of accumulating more yellow cards and exit the tournament.
Here are the highlights of the match:
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