Senegal eliminated from World Cup on fair play rule

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Senegal needed just one point to advance to the knockout stage as they took the field against Colombia last night in the final match of Group H.

However, Barcelona defender Yerry Mina's header in the 74th minute, which was the only goal of the match, was enough to put Colombia in the round of 16 and stamp a ticket home for Senegal.

Senegal made their first World Cup appearance since 2002, and the loss leaves the tournament without an African team in the knockout stage for the first time in 36 years as Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia and Morocco all faltered down the stretch.

While Senegal fell 1-nil to Colombia, Japan, also looking to advance out of Group H, lost by the same margin to Poland. With Senegal and Japan ending group play with the same number of points, goal difference and goals scored, the deciding factor came down to fair play. Japan had four yellow cards during the World Cup, while Senegal had six – sealing their fate.

Top seed Colombia will face England on July 4. Japan will meet Belgium on July 3.