Match #48, 2018 World Cup: Colombia vs. Senegal - 6/28/18 http://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/match-48-2018-world-cup-colombia-vs-senegal-6-28-18.2084279/exit
Match #47, 2018 World Cup: Japan vs. Poland - 6/28/18 http://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/match-47-2018-world-cup-japan-vs-poland-6-28-18.2084274/exit
5 World Cup lessons for Asia https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/world-cup/913498/5-world-cup-lessons-for-asia/
3: There is a time for pragmatism Sometimes Asian teams have been a little too nice. Nice guys may not always finish last but there is a time to be a little pragmatic and cynical. Japan demonstrated this in the final group game against Poland.
A goal down with 10 minutes to go, the scoreline in the other group game between Colombia and Senegal meant that Japan were heading to the second round if nothing changed.
So, coach Nishino told his players to keep the ball around the halfway line and with Poland happy with a win, that is what happened.