(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUWAIT, June 19 (KUNA) -- Russia became the first team to advance to the round of 16 after a 3-1 win over Egypt on Tuesday, while Japan and Senegal secured three points in their first matches against Colombia and Poland, respectively.
The Russians paved their way to the next round after a well-deserved match against the Egyptians, who have one game left against Saudi Arabia, but were already out of the tournament.
Egypt's Ahmad Fathy tried to save the ball but a deflection caused an own goal in 47th minute.
Twelve minutes later, Denis Cheryshev extended the lead to two goals. The midfielder's ball found its way into bottom right-hand corner of Egyptian goalkeeper Mohammad Al-Sehanwy.
The Egyptians were trying hard to narrow the gap but all bids were fruitless.
Russia added to the agony of the Egyptians when Artem Dzyuba passed the defenders inside the area and netted the third goal in 62nd minute.
The Egyptians were relentless and their star Mohammad Salah was tackled at the top of the box.
Both sides argued the tackle was outside the area but the referee called a penalty after reviewing the VAR. Salah converted the penalty in 73rd minute.
Egypt coach Hector Cuper said he was not pleased with the result, and he was puzzled with the outcome.
The defeat "means we are about to leave the championship and I still can't figure out what happened," Cuper said in a statement following the match.
"We lost concentration following the first goal although we were playing very well before it," he said.
Japan also beat Colombia 2-1 which was the first ever against a South American opponent.
Japan scored the first goal early in the match after the Colombian defender was sent off for a handball in the penalty area, which leads to Shinji Kagawa's convering the penalty in the 6th minute.
Colombia with only 10 players on the field was able to respond with an equaliser in the 39th minute from a free-kick taken by Juan Quintero.
The Japanese team was almost in control of the ball during the second half while Colombia with one man down failed to complete their half chances.
Yuya Osako scored Japan second goal in the 73rd minute to regain his team the lead, ultimately winning the match.
Colombian manager Jose Pekerman told a post-match news conference it was "tough to lose a player so early, especially one so important. Despite that, we came back in the second half. But with Japan having an extra player, it was very hard to recover." Japan's Akira Nishino entered the match and his team outplayed their opponent in ball possession. "I said at half time that if we can keep the ball moving, we can deprive the Colombia players of their stamina. Our players were aggressive from the start and I think that worked very well for us." Nishino added, "This is just one win and three points, so we will save our celebration." Senegal meanwhile achieved a crucial 2-1 win over Poland 2-1.
Senegal took the lead in the 37th minutes after an own goal deflected in by the Polish defender Thiago Cionek. In the second half, Mbaye Niang doubled the score for his team in the 60th minute, giving his team a comfortable lead.
The Polish team did not give in and there players were persistent in creating chances, which led to Gregorz Krychowiak header in the goal in the 86th minute raising hopes for his team.
Senegal became the first African nation to win a match at Russia 2018, as they lead their group along with Japan.
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse commended his team for staying in control of the game but said the players should realize they would have a difficult match against Japan, which beat Colombia earlier in the day.
"We managed to control the game tactically and emotionally," Cisse said in a post-match statement.
He said this victory "means we enter the competition in the best possible way." However, he reminded his players that "we know it will be a difficult match against Japan." Senegal beat Poland 2-1 in a sensational clash in Moscow, putting their foot on the right path at the start of the World Cup.
Poland's coach Adam Nawalka remained upbeat despite the loss, looking forward for the next match against Colombia.
"I think we have a lot of stamina and strength within the team to start our match against Colombia with full strength," he said.
"I'm convinced we will recuperate and regenerate after this match. We will have a positive attitude in the next match," he said. (end) bs
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