Japan enter pre-quarters despite losing to Poland

Japan lost 0-1 to Poland in their final Group H contest here on Thursday but still managed to go through to the FIFA World Cup pre-quarterfinals.

Following the loss, thanks to Jan Bednarek's 59th-minute strike, Japan have four points -- the same as third-placed Senegal but the Asian powerhouse are ranked second in the group on the basis of fair play (number of yellow and red cards collected)

Colombia, who defeated Senegal 1-0 in Samara, topped Group H with six points.

Poland have three points from three games and are in the fourth and final spot in the group.

--IANS

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