Colombia pay price for early red card as Japan secure victory

Colombia’s Carlos Sanchez became the first player to be sent off at the 2018 World Cup as Japan secured an entertaining 2-1 win in Saransk.

The former Aston Villa midfielder was dismissed after just four minutes in the Group H opener for deliberate handball and ShinjiK ag awa made no mistake with the resulting penalty.

Colombia equalised shortly before half-time through Juan Quintero’s free-kick, but Japan dominated the second half and were good value forYuya Osako’s late winner.

James Rodriguez – who finished the 2014 tournament as top scorer – was left out of Colombia’s starting XI due to a muscle injury and the South American side quickly found themselves facing an uphill task.

The first red card of the tournament was produced in the opening exchanges, with Sanchez given his marching orders for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Osako broke clear and, although his initial effort was parried by David O spin a, K ag awa’ s follow-up effort was goal bound until Sanchez stuck out an arm.

Referee Damir Skomina had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and immediately dismissed Sanchez, with Kagawa’s Panenka penalty giving Japan the lead after six minutes.

Former Dundee United goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima’s error then gifted Colombia an equaliser, with Quintero’s low free-kick creeping over the line at the near post after Falcao was brought down on the edge of the area.

Japan began the second half strongly and after coming close through Osako and Inui, a corner from Keisuke Honda delivery was headed in by Osako.

Columbian talisman Rodriguez, who came on as sub after 60 minutes, saw his shot from 12 yards deflected over the bar.