Colombia Gets the Goal; Senegal Gets the Gate

Now the question becomes, how fair is fair play?

Senegal became the fifth of five African representatives to be dumped outta the World Cup, and the first by a one-two punch:

• The Lions of Teranga didn't get the point they needed from a draw to advance, falling to Colombia, 0-1; and
• Dudes lost out on advancement due on a deep tiebreaker that backed Japan into the Round of 16.

 

It's the fourth of five determinants in the second step of FIFA's procedures for these situations.

Bummer, isn't it?

The only thing lower is a bloody lottery drawing. That's right, a random pull that -- after all the qualifying rounds and all the final group-stage results -- gives one lucky contestant the right to keep going.

 

What else is there to say but that's what happens when you lose control of your own fate.

The Lions shoulda done themselves a favor and won.

 

It wasn't for lack of trying.

The first 45 may have seen the Colombians controlling the game, but ironically, Senegal created more chances. Their best opportunity came after the quarter hour, as the referee saw a penalty when Sadio Mané was brought down in the box.

The VAR saw it differently, however, confirming that defender Davinson Sánchez had touched the ball first:

 

A longer-term concern for Colombia came in the 31st minute when star James Rodríguez awkwardly stumbled after contact and ended up being subbed in favor or Luis Muriel.

His stride afterward looked normal, leading to speculation it was a hamstring or hyperextension. If so, that'll take a week or so to heal.

 

Whatever it was, dude immediately knew it wasn't good.

That's why he headed straight into the tunnel, completely devastated.

The second half started with Colombia going forward more often, shooting on target, and creating threatening chances. It forced Senegal to go into a defensive shell. They knew Poland had scored and made the ill-fated decision to play for a draw.

Colombia, on the other hand, knew a score was essential to make it to the next round, and in the 74th minute, they got it.

A perfect corner from Juan Quintero and a bullet header from Yerry Mina put Los Cafeteros into the tall cotton:

Their 'keeper, David Ospina, kept the door closed the rest of the way, and Colombia were through.

Senegal, meanwhile was left to wonder where the line is on aggressiveness.

The answer in this case, fair or not, is three less yellow cards than Japan.