In a closely contended match, Japan and Senegal draw 2-2.
ADVERTISEMENTJapan and Senegal could not be separated as they played to a 2-2 draw, opening up Group H.
Japan's Yuya Osako had the chance to put his side in front, but his header from yards out was comfortably saved by Badou Ndiaye. It was Japan who were enjoying the second half. Osako held the ball up well to Takashi Inui. who saw his shot agonisingly hit the crossbar.
Despite their second-half dominance, Senegal was the next side to score. Moussa Wague powered it home into the corner of the goal.
Substitute Keisuke Honda scored their equaliser, as he made the most of Ndiaye's error, as Okazaki played it across to him for a finish past the defending Kalidou Koulibaly on the line.
**Five top takeaways from the match **
M'Baye Niang impresses
No goal for him today, but it wasn't for lack of trying. He limped off as he was replaced by El Hadji Diouf, but put in a good performance and was unlucky not to score.
Keisuke Honda saves Japan
Japan had most possession in the second half and would have been unlucky to lose. Keisuke Honda, Japan's top goal scorer came off the bench and showed why he is just that as he stabbed the ball home from close range.
Goalkeeping errors
Both Eiji Kawashima and Badou Ndiaye made goalkeeping errors, which resulted in them conceding goals. Kawashima hit the ball to the path of Sadio Mane, whilst Ndiaye misjudged the cross and allowed Keisuke Honda to score.
Yuya Osako's hold-up
Japan forward Yuya Osako should have been on the score sheet, after missing the connection across a goal. However, he showed great hold up play during Takashi Inui's goal.
An enjoyable spectacle
This game did not have much expectation on it, but it was, in fact, an enjoyable game, given that there were four goals.