At the half-way mark in the final round of games in Group H, Japan and Senegal remain poised to qualify for the round-of-16. While Colombia have done surprisingly little to challenge Senegal in the pick of the games, Japan have Eiji Kawashima to thank for denying Poland what would amount to a memorable end to a forgettable World Cup.
Needing only a draw from their tie against an already eliminated Poland, the Robert Lewandowski-led side that charged through their qualifying campaign have been had a disastrous World Cup; losing to both Senegal and Colombia without ever offering any suggestion to the contrary.
Yet, Hull City's Kamil Grosicki very nearly gave the Polish supporters; rising above the close attention of the Japanese defenders to head an effort at Kawashima's goal.
Going within inches of crossing the line entirely, Kawashima was the undisiputed hero of the piece here. Perhaps a little too close to the left-hand side of his goal to begin with, the 'keeper who plays his club football in the French Ligue 2 with FC Metz made an incredible diving effort to move across his line and keep Grosicki's header out.
One of the saves of the tournament so far, it may be crucial in determining Japan's progression to the next round.
GLT - Poland come close as Kamil Grosicki's header is clawed away by Eiji Kawashima. Great save and only partly over the line.#RTEsoccer
Watch live: https://t.co/wJ3pY1F41H pic.twitter.com/B7DE4unhK8— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 28, 2018
