Japan became the first team to qualify from the World Cup group stages via fair play rankings despite a 1-0 defeat to Poland in which Akira Nishino bizarrely made six changes to an unbeaten team.

The Samurai Blue had beaten Colombia and drawn with Senegal to enter their final Group H match, against already-eliminated Poland, requiring only a point to reach the last 16.

But Japan scarcely threatened as Shinji Kagawa and Takashi Inui started on the bench and they were instead dependent on results elsewhere after Jan Bednarek's fine strike won the game for Poland.

Colombia's Yerry Mina came to Nishino's rescue, though, as his goal defeated Senegal and ensured Japan progressed in second place due to their superior disciplinary record.

Senegal's six yellow cards to Japan's four ultimately cost the African side, who exit Russia in disappointing circumstances.

On this showing, neither England nor Belgium – Japan's potential last-16 opponents – will fear playing Nishino's men, who will be grateful simply to make the knockout stages and may well be unrecognisable after this risky experiment. </s> The two less yellow cards received by the Japanese compared to Senegal was enough to send the Asian side into the round of 16 after both sides finished deadlocked in the final Group H standings.

READ MORE: Japan rely on Fair Play to squeeze through to knockout stages despite Poland loss

Japan, who topped the group before today’s games kicked off, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Poland but relied on the rarely-used rule to break Senegalese hearts after the African side were defeat 1-0 by group winners Colombia in the Samara Arena.

Japan knew that their fair play score in Group H, which stood at -4 (four yellow cards) was better than that of Senegal’s -6 (six yellow cards), was enough to send them through to the knockout phase.

READ MORE: Colombia march into World Cup last 16 as Senegal suffer agonizing exit on yellow card rule

While teams must be separated in some way the manner in which Japan played towards the game’s conclusion drew the ire of the fans in attendance, many of whom took to booing the non-football which was taking place on the pitch - and this reaction has also been echoed online. </s> ABU DHABI (AFP) - The football may not be of the quality expected at the Euros, but there is always something compelling about watching national teams duke it out for their continental crown. Here is a look at the five leading contenders for football's Asian Cup, which starts in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday (Jan 5):

The Socceroos won the biggest title in their history at the last Asian Cup in 2015, where they edged South Korea after extra time to win a thrilling final in Sydney. It provided further vindication for their switch from Oceania to the Asian confederation in 2006, since when they have never failed to qualify for the World Cup.

However, Australia's star has dimmed in recent times, and after reaching Russia 2018 via the play-offs they exited without a win, scoring only twice in their three group games. New coach Graham Arnold must fill the void left by retired record scorer Tim Cahill, and get the goals flowing again, if the Socceroos are to keep the trophy in Australian hands.

Asia's top-ranked team won credit at last year's World Cup, where they were edged 1-0 by Spain and finished 1-1 against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, before exiting at the group stage. However, they will want to go home with more than just praise at the Asian Cup, a tournament where success has eluded them since their run of three straight titles ended in 1976.

Ex-Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz, also a former assistant to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, has forged a formidable unit which was unbeaten in World Cup qualifying, strolling into the Asian Cup along the way.

Last time around, Iran went out on penalties to arch-rivals Iraq in a pulsating quarter-final which featured four goals in extra-time and a contentious second yellow card for simulation to Iranian defender Mehrdad Pooladi. Similar fireworks can be expected when the two teams meet for their final Group D game on Jan 16.

Japan go into the Asian Cup chasing a record-extending fifth title and in a rich vein of form. The Samurai Blue are unbeaten in five games since Hajime Moriyasu replaced Akira Nishino as coach after their surprise run to the knockout stages of last year's World Cup.

But Japan embark on their Middle Eastern adventure without two players who epitomise their waspish energy - Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki. Both were omitted by Moriyasu, who looks to Red Bull Salzburg's Takumi Minamino to provide the creative spark in Kagawa's absence.

Portimonense's Shoya Nakajima and Groningen's Ritsu Doan will add thrust as they try to avenge their 2015 Asian Cup flop when they crashed out in the quarter-finals. Southampton defender Maya Yoshida and Galatasaray full-back Yuto Nagatomo bring experience to Japan, who face Uzbekistan, Oman and Turkmenistan in Group F.

Ranked 50th in the world, behind Iran (29) and Australia (41), anything less than the semi-finals would be seen as failure for Japan.



 

 Saudi Arabiaplayers listening to the head of the General Authority for Saudi Sport, Turki Al-Sheikh (centre) at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on June 13, 2018, ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup football tournament. PHOTO: AFP 



The former giants of Asian football need to reverse a poor run of form as they look to return to the winners' circle for the first time since the 1990s. Victories in 1984, 1988 and 1996 made the Saudis the continent's premier side but despite reaching the 2000 and 2007 finals they have been unable to add to their tally.

There was not much to shout about at last year's World Cup, when Saudi Arabia lost 5-0 to Russia in their opening game and never recovered. In the UAE, a short hop over the Saudi border, Juan Antonio Pizzi - the fourth coach in the Saudi hot seat since the 2015 Asian Cup - can expect an easier ride than in Russia as they open against North Korea on Tuesday.

However, Saudi Arabia flopped at the last Asian Cup, going out at the group stage, and they are under pressure heading into this edition after winning only one of their six games since the World Cup.

In Tottenham Hotspur's swift forward Son Heung-min, South Korea boast Asia's most exciting player and they will be regarded as narrow favourites to hoist the trophy on February 1. The Taeguk Warriors showed their quality when they stunned holders Germany at last year's World Cup and they came within a whisker of winning their third Asian title in 2015, going down to James Troisi's extra-time strike for hosts Australia in the final.

Son will miss South Korea's first two games, against the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan, owing to club commitments with Spurs. But with a wealth of talent including Newcastle's Ki Sung-yeung and goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo, man of the match in the 2-0 win over Germany, South Korea should have at least one foot in the knock-out stages by then. </s> Japan advanced into the knockout phase of the World Cup on Thursday despite losing 1-0 to Poland, progressing from Group H thanks to their lower tally of yellow cards than Senegal.

The African side were eliminated after their 1-0 defeat by Colombia despite finishing level with Japan on points, goal difference and goals scored.
• Who's in, who's out, and who can still go through​

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 equalizer.

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 </s> AFC Asian Cup 2019 Final Live Score Streaming, Japan vs Qatar Final Football Live Score Streaming: Japan square off against Qatar in the summit clash of the Asian Cup final at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday. After much drama, three hours before the final, Qatar has been cleared to play in Friday’s Asian Cup final after a United Arab Emirates protest about possible ineligible players was rejected.

While Qatar are eyeing their first title, Japan, on the other hand, are firm favourites to lift a fifth title. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is expected to attend the game. Whoever lifts the trophy will make history and not just because they will be the first to win the new larger cup made for this expanded edition of the tournament. Catch live score and updates of Japan vs Qatar </s> It has come down to this, Japan and Qatar are the last two teams remaining in the AFC Asian Cup 2019 which took fans and supporters by storm.

Both squads have proven their worth of being in the showpiece event and after the night, it could be Japan’s record fifth AFC Asian Cup title, or Qatar breaking ground and winning their first.

A lot are on the line for the two teams as Japan are looking to re-establish their dominance in the region. After dispatching of tough teams like IR Iran, this younger Samurai Blue squad have proven that they have what it takes to carry the winning tradition of the stars before them.

Meanwhile, Qatar are also looking to make a splash in the international football scene. As hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, many are wondering just how good their national team can be. Faced against big odds like Korea Republic and United Arab Emirates, the players from Qatar stepped up and people are now taking notice that they may not only be hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup but are also looking to leave a mark.

However, with the AFC Asian Cup 2019 just a few hours away, we take a look at five players who are likely to play a big role in the outcome of tonight’s battle.

One of the Samurai Blue stars to score against tournament favourites IR Iran in the semifinal, Genki Haraguchi has the chance to throw his name into international superstardom if he performs well against Qatar.

The 27-year-old plays club football for German club Hannover 96 and has been a consistent throughout the AFC Asian Cup 2019.

One last great effort is needed and Japan may be crowned as champions again.

One of the young Japanese players to have proven his worth to be part of the new national squad is Ritsu Doan.

With two goals to his name in the competition, he joins Haraguchi with in that distinction.

At 20 years old, the FC Groningen has been a thorn down defences sides when he makes his runs and Qatar should try and always have a defender keep an eye on him or risk him being open to score or assist in Japan’s goal.

The third player on the list, Bassam Al-Rawi also has two goals to his name but could have gotten more if he played in the semifinal clash against United Arab Emirates.

He picked up two yellow cards earlier in the competition – in a group stage battle against Iraq and in the quarterfinal against Korea Republic.

After serving the suspension in the semifinal against UAE, many expect the 21-year-old defender to maintain his aggressive nature and there are few doubting that he may end up on the scoresheet yet again.

Japan’s star striker has certainly delivered when needed as he already has four goals to his name to lead the way for the Samurai Blue.

The 28-year-old Werder Bremen player has been difficult to stop and Qatar’s defences will definitely get tested when Osako is within the penalty box charging for an attempt on goal.

To this point, Qatar have yet to concede a goal and if they want to continue that streak, they should find a way to slow down Osako or the first goal they concede might ultimately cost them the AFC Asian Cup 2019 title.

Last but certainly not the least is Qatar’s striking superstar Almoez Ali.

He has certainly been a revelation in the AFC Asian Cup and leads the competition with eight goals – tying the tournament’s record for most goals in a single campaign.

The 22-year-old has been unstoppable and his mere presence around the box makes life difficult for defenders so Japan need to always mark the Sudanese-born striker to keep him off the scoresheet. </s> Qatar stunned Japan 3-1 to win their first Asian Cup on Friday sparked by a moment of magic from record-breaker Almoez Ali and after nail-biting late drama. Sudan-born striker Almoez Ali scored with an acrobatic bicycle kick after just 12 minutes before Abdelaziz Hatim curled in a superb second and Akram Afif converted a VAR-assisted penalty to give the 2022 World Cup hosts a famous victory in Abu Dhabi. Qatar survived a scare at 2-0 when Takumi Minamino pulled one back on 69 minutes, only for Uzbek referee Ravshan Irmatov to award the Maroons a penalty on review for a handball by Japan captain Maya Yoshida.

Ali became the first player to score nine goals at a single Asian Cup after only being cleared to play just hours before kickoff following a UAE protest over his eligibility. The Qataris had been pelted with plastic bottles and shoes during the 4-0 semi-final thrashing of hosts United Arab Emirates over the Gulf blockade of the tiny, energy-rich state.

Emirati football officials subsequently lodged a formal protest over the eligibility of Ali and Iraqi-born defender Bassam Al-Rawi, which has been thrown out by the Asian Football Confederation. Qatar had never before gone beyond the Asian Cup quarter-finals but they scored 16 unanswered goals coming into the final and kept a record six clean sheets.

Japan, meanwhile, had never lost an Asian Cup final, winning the last of their record four titles in 2011.

But the Blue Samurai were soon chopped down to size by Ali's outrageous opener, taking him past Iran legend Ali Daei's record tally of eight goals at the 1996 tournament.

Cleverly found by Afif, Ali flicked the ball up to himself before launching into an overhead volley that left Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda helpless as it flew in off the post.

Ali almost scored again within a minute, only to be denied by a desperate block from Yoshida.

However, Qatar doubled their lead in the 27th minute after yet another Afif assist -- his 10th of the tournament -- as Hatim bent in a sumptuous left-foot shot from distance.

Japan, whose only previous Asian Cup defeat by Qatar came 31 years ago, mustered little of note, much to the chagrin of their colourful fans among a crowd of 36,000 -- several sporting fancy dress, including one hardy soul in an inflatable sumo suit.

That all changed when Minamino breached Qatar's defence for the first time this tournament with a delicate chip after Hatim had blazed over from close range.

But moments later Afif ended Japan's resistance from the spot to complete a fairytale triumph for Qatar. </s> Group H has featured some of the most surprising and exciting football of the 2018 World Cup thus far.

Heading into the final day of the group stage, three teams - Japan, Colombia, and Senegal - are all still in control of their destinies as they battle for two spots up for grabs in the knockout round.

With so much at stake for each team and simultaneous matches of Japan vs. Poland and Colombia vs. Senegal on Thursday, Group H looks set to provide a thrilling finale to the group stage of the tournament.

Here is how each team could advance to the knockout round. </s> Media playback is not supported on this device World Cup 2018: Japan 0-1 Poland highlights

Japan reached the last 16 of the World Cup by having a better disciplinary record than Senegal - after losing to Poland in their final Group H game.

The match finished in farcical fashion, with both sides happy to play the ball around at the back for much of the final quarter.

Akira Nishino's side finished with the same number of points, goals scored and goals conceded as Senegal, but were shown only four yellow cards during the group stage to the African side's six.

"We did not go for victory but we just relied on the other match," said Nishino.

"That was slightly regrettable but I suppose at that point I didn't have any other plans.

"I am really not happy about how we played but we wanted to go through to the round of 16 and we have, and that is the only salvation that I get."

Colombia's 1-0 win over Senegal meant the South American team topped the group ahead of Japan, with those sides facing England and Belgium respectively in the last 16.

Southampton defender Jan Bednarek's well-taken volley following Rafal Kurzawa's free-kick won the match for Poland, who were already eliminated.

Indeed Japan substitute Makoto Hasebe, who came on with eight minutes remaining, made a 'card' gesture to his team-mates to make it clear they were through as it stood.

Nishino said he passed on instructions to the team to take no risks and collect no yellow cards when he sent Hasebe on.

"What if we conceded another goal and it was 2-0?" he said. "We went through. Therefore perhaps it was the right decision."

Media playback is not supported on this device Japan & Poland approach disgraceful - Neville

Japan happy to play out time

This was the possession chart for the last five minutes. Japan had most of the ball, but without wanting to go anywhere near the opposition goal

Japan topped the group going into the final round of games, needing just a point to be assured of a place in the knockout stage for only the third time after 2002, when they were co-hosts, and 2010.

They were heading out when Bednarek scored, and Southampton's Maya Yoshida headed just wide on 72 minutes as they pushed for an equaliser.

But two minutes later they were given a reprieve by Colombia defender Yerry Mina's thumping header in the group's other game.

As the news filtered through to the Volgograd Arena, both teams were content to sit back.

It was a risky strategy for Japan - a second goal for Poland or a Senegal equaliser would have eliminated them - but it ultimately paid off.

'Farcical and embarrassing'

This was Japan's touchmap after hearing Colombia had scored against Senegal (76 minutes onwards)

With their game finishing a couple of minutes before Colombia's victory was confirmed, the Japan players initially waited anxiously around the pitch, before celebrating wildly in front of their supporters.

But there was widespread criticism for the manner in which they had reached the last 16.

"It was a farce, an absolute farce," said BBC co-commentator Mark Lawrenson. "There has to be a better way of settling the table in the World Cup than bookings."

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman said on BBC Two: "That is embarrassing - the way the two teams went about the final 10 minutes is everything we do not want to see in a World Cup. It turned into a farce."

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill added: "It takes you back to World Cups in 1982 and 1986, when we saw games like that. It is mind-boggling for me as a coach to leave your whole destiny in the hands of another game, and do it for so long.

"I had developed a bit of a soft spot for Japan, but I hope they get battered in the next round."

Media playback is not supported on this device Japan & Poland approach disgraceful - Neville

What you said

Simon: That was one of the most surreal 10 minutes of football I've ever seen... Literally neither team interested in doing anything!

Wayne: Fair play is a really stupid way to decide qualification, must be a better way than this?

David: How about a penalty shootout on the day off? Free entry for fans.

Abdulateef: I see nothing wrong with Japan qualifying on fair play, the rules are there and they are through because of it.

Poland go out on high

How Group H ended

By losing their opening two group games, Poland became the first European side to exit the tournament, and they have now exited at the first hurdle in three successive appearances.

They rarely threatened in their first two matches, with star striker Robert Lewandowski - who scored 16 goals in qualifying - largely isolated.

The Bayern Munich man did have his best chance to score against Japan - but scooped a shot over from 10 yards out.

Winger Kamil Grosicki forced Eiji Kawashima into a smart save with a header, and Tomoaki Mikono almost diverted a cross into his own net late on.

But Bednarek's goal was enough to give the Poles victory, though it was not enough to lift them off the bottom of the group.

Set-piece specialists - the stats

Poland beat Japan for the first time, after losing 5-0 in February 1996 and 2-0 in March 2002.

Japan have failed to score in five of their past six World Cup games against European opponents (W1 D2 L3) - their only goals coming in a 3-1 victory over Denmark in 2010.

Poland have won each of their 14 games in which they have scored first in World Cup finals.

Japan have conceded in four successive World Cup games for the first time since their first four games across 1998 and 2002.

Poland have finished bottom of the group in a World Cup for the first time since 2002.

They have kept a clean sheet at the World Cup for the first time since winning 1-0 against Portugal in 1986.

The Poles won their first ever World Cup game against an Asian opponent after losing 2-0 in the group stages against South Korea in 2002.

Bednarek's goal for Poland was their fifth consecutive goal from a set-piece situation in the World Cup.
Japan is the only Asian team to advance to the knockout stage, via fair play after exhausting other tiebreakers.