Los Cafeteros reach last 16 as Senegal become first casualties of fair play rule

SENEGAL

Colombia were first to threaten through Quintero’s freekick, which was well saved by Senegal goalkeeper Khadim Ndiaye.

Senegal were quicker to settle into any kind of rhythm though and only a brilliant last-ditch tackle by Colombia defender Davinson Sanchez denied Sadio Mane a clear scoring chance. Serbian referee Milorad Mazic initially deemed Tottenham centre-half Sanchez’s challenge to have been a foul and pointed to the spot. to struggle to find the form they had produced against Poland. Los Cafeteros did show more urgency, but Radamel Falcao was offering little in the final third and Senegal were still a threat on the break.

Neither side had created a further goalscoring chance in the second period until Muriel’s 65th-minute shot was deflected for a corner, which Falcao headed tamely wide.

Colombia then appealed for a penalty when Ndiaye caught Muriel after racing out to clear the ball, but the Senegal keeper got to it first and referee Mazic was unmoved.

The South Americans, having done little to suggest they would break the deadlock, took the lead in the 74th minute.

Quintero swung over an excellent corner from the right and central defender Mina powered home an unstoppable header.

Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina denied M’baye Niang and Ismaila Sarr volleyed Mane’s cross over the bar from 12 yards, but it was too little too late for Senegal.