The Japan vs. Senegal match was supposed to reveal what these surprising front-runners of Group H were all about.
Although Japan secured a major upset against heavily-favored Colombia, critics blasted the team for playing a man-advantage throughout most of the game (and presumbably, because Japan only scored two with their advantage).
Image from Goal.com
Which Japan would show up?
The darkhorse that can spring surprises, and generate some lucky breaks, or the one that collapses under pressure?
Throughout this match, Japan looked like the latter.
They initially gave up a foolish goal, but then were saved by Inui's wonder goal.
Still, they didn't hold the ball up well, and they made uncharacteristically silly passes and conceded unnecessary -- and sometimes dangerous -- interceptions.
It was a match that seemed destined for a painful failure, something that the Japanese team know all too well in 2006 and 2014.
And then, of course, it happened. Senegal scored, and it was they leading the game 2-1.
Right after, though, Japan responded with Keisuke Honda!
Introduced during the break after the goal, Honda replaced the tiring Kagawa.
It was a damn good thing, too! I've always respected Honda and I feel for Japan to be successful, they need Honda all the more.
The Honda believers were proven correct.
Cool as a cucumber, Honda slotted in late in the game to level the score 2-2!
Image from Evening Standard
More impressive from a long-time fan's perspective, this is the first time that I've seen Japan put up a worthy fight even when they weren't playing their best.
Now with Japan and Senegal with four points, and Colombia currently leading the game in their match-up against Poland, things look bright for Japan.