On Sunday 24 June, the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) faced the Senegal National Team in their second group stage match in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at Ekaterinburg Arena. Despite conceding the lead twice, the team drew 2-2 with the two equalisers scored by INUI Takashi (Real Betis) and the second half substitute, HONDA Keisuke (CF Pachuca).

The draw meant that Japan remained tied in first place of Group H along with Senegal, sharing the same points and goal differentials. Colombia bested Poland 3-0 on this day, moving them into contention with three points, while Poland has been eliminated after losing two matches in a row.

With this result, Japan will now advance to the knockout stage with a tie or better in their third group stage match against Poland on the 28th at Volgograd. If Japan can advance through, it will be their first appearance in the round of 16 since the 2010 World Cup.

After both teams has won their first match, it meant that the winner of this second match would take a huge advantage in making through to the knockout stage. Japan entered the match with the same line-ups as they faced Colombia, while Senegal also kept the same players from the previous match, except for one player change......

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