The last day of group stage play led to Senegal's elimination on the FIFA Fair Play points rule, and the afternoon featured one of the most boring games of the tournament, although it happened to have a great goal and an even better celebration.
Senegal vs. Colombia
James left midway through the first half and despite Senegal's overall ability to carry play, Colombia got a goal and stormed to the top of the group. Senegal fell victim to an unfortunate circumstance as they were sent home on yellow cards.
Me trying to calculate how both Senegal and Colombia can survive the groupstage. pic.twitter.com/M6BgI4Fjlz
— Deniz Andres (@Koezo123) June 27, 2018
Senegal v Colombia #SENCOL
The game aside - this would be some dance off.Who would your money be on? pic.twitter.com/PjuHFefzMT
— Kay Murray (@KayLMurray) June 28, 2018
60th minute: Poland score, Senegal top the group, Japan are out.
74th minute: Colombia score, Japan are second, Senegal are out. pic.twitter.com/OuFO1ospfM— (@sickolia_) June 28, 2018
Japan vs. Poland
Poland was already eliminated coming into this game but managed to jump ahead in the second half, putting Japan's knockout round hopes in jeopardy. What followed, especially in the final 10 minutes, was a brand of soccer that while strategic, enraged the internet due to the two teams apparent "agreement" to just let the game end that way to prevent Senegal from advancing.
Japan x Senegal : one of best match in world cup 2018
Japan x Poland : worst match in world cup history— Ludi Dewantara (@Di_Ludi8) June 28, 2018
Risky, poor and embarrassing tactics from Japan coach Nishino, making 6 changes when qualification not guaranteed, playing negatively when a goal down, not chasing the game and relying on Senegal losing and fair play to progress. That's not football.#JPNPOL #JPN #POL #Worldcup
— Anthony Phillips (@TielessAnt) June 28, 2018
The ending of Japan and Poland pic.twitter.com/RcWAwZRIHm
— Juan “WorldCup” Direction (@JuanDirection58) June 28, 2018
Belgium vs. England
These were two B teams and the game was a snooze. If it wasn't for a beautiful goal from Adnan Januzaj and an even better celebration from Michy Batshuayi, this game would have been the worst of the tournament. Belgium came out with a 1-0 win and a date with Japan in the Round of 16.
I was so looking forward to this vs game. Not really anymore... They obviously don’t care to be 1st or 2nd. Going out for dinner instead
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) June 28, 2018
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez tries to play mind-games by sticking Marouane Fellaini in his team to face England.
“Oh really?” replies a smirking Gareth Southgate. “Phil Jones is in mine.”Checkmate, I believe. #BEL #ENG
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) June 28, 2018
A yellow card for Belgium, when first and second place currently comes down to fair play...
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 28, 2018
If neither England or Belgium want to win this, would anyone mind if Aston Villa have the points?
— Mat Kendrick (@MatKendrick) June 28, 2018
Michy Batshuayi sums up all our feelings on #ENG #BEL pic.twitter.com/DULKERz7h0
— The18 (@the18com) June 28, 2018
Let me get this right…
It’s taken victories over Tunisia and Panama to convince everyone we’re gonna win the World Cup?— Andy Goldstein MBE (@andygoldstein05) June 24, 2018
Tunisia vs. Panama
Did this game feature two teams that were already eliminated from the tournament? Sure! But both wanted to avoid finishing last in the tournament and actually played some good soccer! Panama took the lead but Tunisia wouldn't go down without a fight and scored two to clinch third place in the group.
Panama and Tunisia both know if they lose today they're last place in the World Cup. Egypt would be last if they draw. More at stake than the England-Panama match? https://t.co/KzSqja3P1q
— Travis Yoesting (@TravisYoesting) June 28, 2018
Panama and Tunisia training ground footage... pic.twitter.com/7cdYpqWxEO
— Rylan Clark-Neal (@Rylan) June 24, 2018
Here's our social media roundup from yesterday's games!
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