Japan reach last 16 on 'fair play' despite defeat to Poland

Japan qualified through to the last 16 by virtue of having a superior fair-play record to Senegal despite Jan Bednarek handing Poland their only World Cup win of 2018.

Both sides appeared content with a slower pace as the game kicked off in 37-degree heat in Volgograd. The best chance of the second half fell to Kamil Grosicki, whose powerful header across goal was kept out with a stunning aerobatic save from Eiji Kawashima. Goal-line technology later confirmed that the Japanese captain had kept the ball from crossing the line with his impressive block.

The breakthrough came on the hour mark, when Rafa Kurzawa’s 35-yard free kick fell to Southampton’s Jan Bednarek, who confidently volleyed into the net for Poland’s second goal of the tournament. It marked Poland’s fifth consecutive World Cup goal to come from a set piece.

Japan, who made six changes in their starting line-up, largely failed to make an impact on the game — and struggled to break through Poland’s resolute back line.

In a rapidly changing scenario, Japan looked to be eliminated from Group H when they conceded. However, as Colombia beat Senegal 1-0, the Samurai Blue reached the knockout stage by virtue of their superior fair play record.

Will Japan pose a threat in the knockout rounds? - The Samurai Blue are in the knockout rounds by virtue of their fair play record, and will face either England or Belgium at the next stage. They were impressive in their first two games, but posed little threat to an already-eliminated Poland. They have never surpassed the Round of 16 - and that may not change in 2018.

Jan Bednarek - Not only did the Southampton defender score the winning goal, but he was an integral part of a Polish backline that withstood plenty of Japanese attacks. Credit is also due to Lukasz Fabianski for a superb World Cup debut.

Japan - Kawashima 7, Hiroki Sakai 7, Yoshida 6, Makino 6, Nagatomo 6, Gotoku Sakai 6, Shibasaki 7, Yamaguchi 6, Usami 7, Okazaki 7, Muto 7. Subs: Inui 6, Osaka 6

Poland - Fabianski 8, Jedrzejczyk 7, Glik 7, Bednarek 8, Bereszynski 7, Kurzawa 7, Goralski 7, Krychowiak 7, Zielinski 7, Grosicki 7, Lewandowski 6. Subs: Teodorczyk 6, Psezko 6

33 - CHANCE! Grosicki heads towards goal and sees it saved by Kawashima on the line! That's a truly world-class save! Grosicki was already reeling away celebrating!

35 - CHANCE! Usami breaks into the box on the right, and pushes towards the touchline, looking as if he'll cut back a cross... but he shoots from a narrow angle and forces a good save!

59 - GOAL! Poland win a free kick around 35 yards from goal. Kurzawa floats it in and Bednarek volleys into the net!

74 - CHANCE! Grosicki has space on the right flank and puts a square ball in to Lewandowski - his first touch puts the ball over the bar! Nine times out of 10 Lewy puts that in the net!

Poland have never exited the World Cup without at least one group win.

Poland kept their first clean sheet since a 1-0 win over Portugal in 1986.

Japan have failed to score in five of their last six World Cup outings against European opposition.