After registering somewhat surprising victories over Colombia and Poland on matchday one in Group H, Japan and Senegal played to a thrilling 2-2 draw in Yekaterinburg on Sunday. Sadio Mane opened the scoring for Senegal early in the first half, only for Takashi Inui to equalize 23 minutes later. Moussa Wague restored the advantage in the 71st minute, but Keisuke Honda earned Japan the draw with his 37th international goal.
Each nation now controls its own destiny come June 28, but Senegal will be the more disappointed side having twice thrown away the lead. Regardless, both teams confirmed the promise that was evident in those opening wins. For Japan, Inui and 25-year-old center back Gen Shoji stood out, while Mane, M’Baye Niang and the 19-year-old Wague impressed for Senegal.
What’s more, we can assume that the the stadium in Yekaterinburg is already spotless following the days rowdy events.
this is the best offside trap in history. #JPNSEN pic.twitter.com/HxVGHkpQLP
— Ann Odong (@AnnOdong) June 24, 2018
Sadio Mane’s opener. This wasn't a pretty one.
#MundialTelemundo ¡Despertó #JPN! Takashi Inui llega al área y con un disparo cruzado define el empate ante #SEN pic.twitter.com/HGqydNNgiT
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 24, 2018
Japan with a brilliant equalizer.
#MundialTelemundo ¡Despertó #JPN! Takashi Inui llega al área y con un disparo cruzado define el empate ante #SEN pic.twitter.com/HGqydNNgiT
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 24, 2018
Senegal retake the lead and it’s beautiful.
#MundialTelemundo ¡Llegó el segundo de #SEN! Por conducto de Moussa Wagué, quien aprovecha un balón para definir de primera el segundo ante #JAP pic.twitter.com/a3z3390bIq
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 24, 2018
But Honda equalizes for Japan. With four goals, he’s now the top-scoring Asian player in World Cup history.
#MundialTelemundo ¡El empate llegó para #JPN desde la banca! @kskgroup2017 recibe en el área y empuja el balón para igualar en el marcador ante #SEN pic.twitter.com/G09P0FgJCr
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 24, 2018
The final games in Group H will kickoff simultaneously on June 28 with Japan playing Poland in Volgograd and Senegal hosting Colombia in Samara.
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