Mitch Freeley

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Match Report

Senegal and Japan missed the chance to take a giant stride towards the World Cup knockout stages after playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Ekaterinburg Arena.

After winning their opening games, three points for either side would have made them outright Group H leaders and put them in pole position for a last-16 berth.

As it is, they will have to endure an anxious wait for the result of Poland and Colombia's clash later on Sunday to know what they need to do in the final round of fixtures on Thursday.

Eiji Kawashima was slow to react to Juan Quintero's goal for Colombia in Japan's opening 2-1 win and the goalkeeper was again at fault for Sadio Mane's early opener, punching against the forward's leg when it looked easier to catch.

His blushes were spared 11 minutes before the interval, though, when Takashi Inui whipped superbly into the bottom far corner from just inside the penalty area.

Moussa Wague thought he had snatched all three points for Aliou Cisse's side in the 71st minute, but substitute Keisuke Honda ensured a share of the spoils with a close-range finish 12 minutes from time.

Senegal started with a spring in their step and were rewarded with the opening goal after 11 minutes, albeit in fortuitous circumstances.

Genki Haraguchi's weak headed clearance fell kindly to Youssouf Sabaly, whose tame shot was inexplicably punched against Mane's shin by Kawashima inside the six-yard box.

The Liverpool forward knew little about it, but watched on in delight as the ball nestled in the corner for his first World Cup goal.

Japan had scarcely posed a threat during the first half, but they pulled level with their first clear sight of goal after 34 minutes.

Yuto Nagatomo controlled a long ball inside the left of the area before finding Inui around 15 yards from goal, the Real Betis forward whipping a fine right-footed strike into Khadim N'Diaye's bottom corner.

Senegal should have restored their advantage six minutes before the interval when M'Baye Niang latched onto Badou Ndiaye's through ball. The striker's rushed half-volley was too close to Kawashima, though, who was able to push way to safety.

Yuya Osako squandered a glorious opportunity to put his side ahead on the hour, somehow failing to make any contact with Gaku Shibasaki's cross from just six yards out.

Inui then came agonisingly close to scoring his second of the game four minutes later when his wonderful curled effort from a surging break bounced off the crossbar.

Those missed opportunities were brought into sharp focus after 71 minutes when Wague steamed in at the back post to meet Sabaly's low cross and crash a powerful strike into the roof of the net.

Live Updates

Goals/ Highlights

Japan equalize again! Honda with the goal! 2-2

Goal! Teenager Moussa Wagué fires Senegal into the lead! 

Goal! Ohh! That was a beauty! Inui curls it in! 1-1

Goal! Mane gives Senegal the lead

Preview

Japan will be looking to make a big step towards the round of sixteen when they take on fellow opening day winners Senegal in Ekaterinburg on Sunday evening. 

The Samurai Blue impressed in their opening game against Colombia and came away with a hard-fought victory, despite Colombia having ten men for the majority of the match. Whilst the result was of special significance, as it was the first time that an Asian side had defeated a South American team at a FIFA World Cup. 

Yuya Osako headed in the winner against Colombia, and the FC Koln striker impressed on his World Cup debut. Akira Nishino may have been drafted in late ahead of the World Cup, but the 63-year old coach made a dream start to his managerial career with his home country. Nishino is likely to keep the faith with the same team that got the win against Colombia. 

Japan Predicted team
Kawashima; H Sakai, Yoshida, Shoji, Nagatomo; Shibasaki, Hasebe, Haraguchi, Kagawa, Inhui; Osako 

How to watch Online- beIN SPORTS CONNECT
TV Channel- MAX HD3
Kick-off- 15:00
Stadium- Ekaterinburg, Ekaterinburg Arena

Senegal is in similarly high spirits following their 2-1 opening game victory over Poland. The Lions of Teranga made a dream start to only their second World Cup campaign, and are now dreaming of getting out of the group stage and a victory against Japan gives their qualification hopes a major boost. 

Aliou Cissé’s side conceded plenty of possession to Poland but looked a real danger on the counter-attack. It’s likely they will set up in the same way against Japan. Surprisingly, Senegal has never lost a group game at the World Cup and will be looking to keep that record intact against Japan. 

M'Baye Niang scored the winner against Poland, and the Torino striker is likely to lead the line again on Sunday. The bustling centre-forward caused the Polish backline plenty of trouble in his World Cup debut, and the former Watford will be charged with firing Senegal within touching distance of the round of sixteen. 

Senegal Predicted Team
K. N'Diaye; Wague, Sane, Koulibaly, Sabaly; Sarr, Gueye, A. N'Diaye, Mane; Diouf, Niang 

It promises to be interesting as Japan take on Senegal in Ekaterinburg. Watch the Live & Exclusive stream of the game on MAX HD3 & beIN SPORTS CONNECT.