Yerry Mina's header secured Colombia a 1-0 win over Senegal in Samara on Thursday (June 28) to clinch their safe passage to the last 16 as they finished top of Group H, while Senegal missed out to Japan on a fair play tiebreaker.

Japan's midfielder Gaku Shibasaki (2^nd, L) vies with Poland's midfielder Jacek Goralski during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group H football match between Japan and Poland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 28, 2018. (Photo: AFP / Mark RALSTON)

Japan lost 1-0 to already-eliminated Poland in the group's other fixture. However, with both Japan and Senegal having the same number of points, goal difference and goals scored, it came down to disciplinary record to decide the runners-up. Japan progressed with two fewer yellow cards than the African side.

Senegal's forward Ismaila Sarr (L) vies for the ball with Colombia's defender Johan Mojica during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group H football match between Senegal and Colombia at the Samara Arena in Samara on June 28, 2018. (Photo: AFP / Manan VATSYAYANA)

Following 74 minutes of tense football with few chances, Mina stooped to score the crucial goal from a corner and send the yellow-clad Colombian fans wild in the Samara Arena.

Senegal, who had most of the better players in the first half, though they had a penalty when Sadio Mane went down in the area on 17 minutes. However, after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR), Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez was deemed to have touched the ball and the decision was reversed./.

VNF/CNA