Samara: A powerful header from Yerry Mina fired Colombia into the last 16 of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Group H rivals Senegal, who crashed out due to a poorer disciplinary record than Japan.
The South Americans, looking to reach the latter stages after reaching the quarterfinals in Brazil, risked going out of the tournament at the first hurdle.
But after seeing the video assistant referee come to their rescue in a disappointing first half, Colombia were handed a last 16 lifeline 13 minutes from the end when Mina rose to meet a corner from the right and direct a header into the roof of Khadim Ndiaye’s net.
Poland’s 1-0 consolation win over Japan meant the Asians finished level with Senegal, who were agonisingly eliminated because they were issued six yellow cards in the competition, two more than Japan.
Colombia coach Jose Pekerman kept faith with the attacking front line that thumped Poland 3-0, with midfielders Juan Quintero, James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado providing the support for striker Radamel Falcao up front.
But by the end of an entertaining first half, Pekerman was forced to tinker when Rodriguez was forced off with an injury problem and replaced by Luis Muriel.
Colombia’s best first half chance came from a free-kick which saw Ndiaye dive to parry Quintero’s powerful effort after Falcao had been sandwiched in mid-air.
When Cuadrado lost possession cheaply at the halfway line, Keita Balde sent Sadio Mane on his way towards goal before the Liverpool man fell under a challenge from defender Davinson Sanchez.
Serbian referee Milorad Mazic pointed to the spot but amid Colombian protests he was called to consult VAR, which showed Sanchez’s boot had made contact with the ball first.
From another free kick Falcao was flagged offside when he headed Quintero’s floated delivery high and wide. Senegal responded, but Keita shot straight at Ospina after the ‘keeper had spilled a powerful drive by Mane.
Hopes were raised when Quintero’s powerful free- kick from the right was blocked in the area and fell to Muriel, whose shot was deflected out. From the corner, Falcao’s header was bundled wide.
The Samara stadium erupted as Colombia finally broke the deadlock. Cuadrado’s attempt to dribble into the area earned a corner, and Barcelona defender Mina rose highest to flash a header downwards that bounced up into the top of net on 77 minutes.