Japan vs Senegal Preview

Japan were considered the most likely team to finish bottom of this group when the draw was made, however, the Asians won 2:1 against all odds in their first game.

It was an emotional win after they had suffered an earthquake the previous day.

Japan had a reason to win their first game after Carlos Sanchez was sent off for Colombia for a needless handball, with Shinji Kagawa scoring the penalty that resulted from that.

From then on they struggled to contain the Colombians and when the South Americans equalized before the break, it was fully deserved.

Japan got the winner after a much improved second half performance, but it wasn’t an easy win.

Senegal didn’t exactly have it easy in their first game against Poland as they had to play against 11 men for the entire duration of the game.

The Africans dug deep and secured all three points against a Lewandoski-led Poland to boost their chance of making it to the next round.

The Poles did not do so well in that game to be honest, but Senegal have to be given full praise for taking advantage of the lackluster showing by the Europeans.

The Senegalese seem to be underrated despite having a squad brimming with quality.

Kalidou Koulibaly and Salif Sane are solid defenders while Idrisa Gueye is one of the most highly rated midfielders in the Premier League.

In the attack they have the luxury of playing Champions League finalist, Sadio Mane.

Senegal have won two and drawn one of their three meetings with Japan.

Results of each team’s last 5 matches across all leagues and competitions

Japan

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
W	Colombia		1-2		Japan	19 Jun, 2018	FIFA World Cup
W	Japan		4-2		Paraguay	12 Jun, 2018	International Friendly
L	Switzerland		2-0		Japan	8 Jun, 2018	International Friendly
L	Japan		0-2		Ghana	30 May, 2018	International Friendly
L	Japan		1-2		Ukraine	27 Mar, 2018	International Friendly

Senegal

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
W	Poland		1-2		Senegal	19 Jun, 2018	FIFA World Cup
W	Senegal		2-0		South Korea	11 Jun, 2018	International Friendly
L	Croatia		2-1		Senegal	8 Jun, 2018	International Friendly
D	Luxembourg		0-0		Senegal	31 May, 2018	International Friendly
D	Senegal		0-0		Bosnia and Herzegovina	27 Mar, 2018	International Friendly

H2H