Japan vs. Senegal
Group H, Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg
Japan is entering this clash with both high confidence and high hopes after upsetting Colombia in its opening match. Japan’s 2-1 win was the first for an Asian team against a South American side in 18 World Cup meetings, and it gave the Japanese a path toward their third knockout round appearance over the last five World Cups.
Senegal’s win over Poland, meantime, sparked a bit of controversy — or at least the game-winning goal did. M’Baye Niang capitalized on a confused Polish team, intercepting a back-pass and tapping the ball into an empty net.