Colombia beat Senegal to win their group and are in the next stages of the World Cup.
ADVERTISEMENTSenegal have been knocked on fair play rules after losing 1-0 to Colombia in the final match of Group H in the 2018 World Cup.
After Senegal and Japan were tied on points, the two sides were still tied on games won, drawn, lost, goals scored and against, and goal difference. Therefore, the two sides were separated by yellow cards during the tournament, which sent Senegal home.
Heading into the final game, Senegal knew a draw would secure their qualification to the next round. The first half was dominated by the African nation, and they thought they had been awarded a penalty in the opening half when Sadio Mane was brought down by Davinson Sanchez. However, upon reviewing the incident with VAR, the referee overturned the decision.
Falcao had a good opportunity to put Colombia ahead, but he headed wide when well placed, before the offside flag saved his blushes.
In the second period, the game was more even. However, few chances were carved out by either side. But, with 15 minutes to go, Colombia took the lead. From a corner, Yerry Mina got on to the end of the delivery and directed his header into the ground before it ricocheted past the goalkeeper.
Senegal pressed forward for the final 15 minutes in search of an equaliser. Sadio Mane set up his team-mate, but he only managed to blast his effort over the bar, as Senegal exited the group stage, meaning no African side will have qualified for the Round of 16 of the World Cup this year.
5 things to take away from Senegal v Colombia
Colombia are not up to scratch
The Colombians have a wealth of options, but they look tame going forward and won’t threaten big sides.
African sides have disappointed in this World Cup
Senegal are the last African side to be knocked out, meaning it is the first time no African side will make Round of 16. Disappointing.
James Rodrigues will be a big miss
The star man came off after 30 minutes and clearly wasn’t fully fit. Colombia will need him moving forward to have any sort of success.
Fair play rules
Senegal have become the first side to be knocked out on the fair play rules. It begs the question; surely there’s a better way to organise it?
Group H was a poor group
In hindsight, Group H was abysmally poor in terms of quality. Senegal were wasteful today, Colombia were tame and lacked any sort of threat. Japan qualify on fair play rules and Poland were not at the races.