A chorus of whistles and howls from the 42,189 spectators sent the teams from the pitch in Volgograd after a farcical end to their final Group H match.

On a burning afternoon that saw several twists in the plot, Japan somehow set up a meeting with either Belgium or England by virtue of a goal scored 640 kilometres (400 miles) away in Samara and because they received two yellow cards fewer than Senegal.

The last 10 minutes were played out at a pace that would have looked slow even in a training match and coach Akira Nishino admitted he told his players to take the 1-0 defeat and run once news came through of Yerry Mina’s 74th-minute goal for Colombia.

Nishino even praised his players for following the most negative of orders.

“The players listened to me and were loyal and determined to keep the status quo,” Nishino he said.

“It was just the situation that forced me to make the risky call and we decided not to go on the offence and rely on the other match.

“I’m not too happy about this but the World Cup is such that these things happen and we went through so it was perhaps the right decision.”

Japan reached the knockout stage for the third time in their history but when Jan Bednarek scored his first international goal in the 59th minute for the already eliminated Poland, the score between Colombia and Senegal stood at 0-0, meaning the last team left from Asia were heading home.

But Mina’s goal turned everything on its head.

Suddenly Colombia would win the group and Japan were ahead of Senegal despite identical points, goal difference and goals scored, because of the Africans’ poorer fair play record.

Nishino admitted that he sent on midfielder Makoto Hasebe for striker Yoshinori Muto in the 82nd minute specifically to give negative orders to his teammates — stop trying to score and do not commit any fouls.

“I did tell Hasebe to tell the team to stay put (at 1-0), not to concede any yellow cards and go to a defensive 4-1-4-1,” Nishino said.

– Jeers –

The result was a game that petered out to a cacophony of jeers.

Hardly a tackle was made in the last 10 minutes or so as Poland decided any sort of win would be enough to give themselves some pride after two defeats and Japan hoped and prayed Senegal would not equalise in Samara.

Japan will thank their under-fire goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima for keeping them in Russia also, after he made a stunning save to keep it goalless at half-time.

Kawashima’s place had been under threat following his howler for Senegal’s first goal in the 2-2 draw and he repaid Nishino’s faith with a wondrous stop.

Piotr Zielinski crossed from the right and Kamil Grosicki found himself unmarked near the penalty spot.

His cleverly directed header looked destined for the bottom corner until Kawashima made up huge amounts of ground to claw it to safety with a big right hand at full stretch.

Goalline technology confirmed he had kept it out by less than half the width of the ball but that was just about the best Poland could offer until Bednarek’s goal.

A long Rafal Kurzawa free-kick was met on the volley crisply from close range by Bednarek as Poland recorded their only win of a sorry Russian campaign, despite arriving ranked eighth in the world.

The 1-0 win for Roberto Martinez’s much-changed team in Kaliningrad earns a second-round tie against Japan while England have a trickier-looking match against Colombia.

But the result also means Gareth Southgate’s young side avoid the top half of the draw in Russia, which contains heavyweights France, Argentina, Portugal and Brazil.

The two managers made a combined 17 changes to their starting line-ups, with World Cup top-scorer Harry Kane missing from England’s line-up and Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne all absent from Belgium’s team.

Former Manchester United forward Adnan Januzaj made the difference, curling a superb shot past the outstretched hands of Jordan Pickford in the 51st minute.

“This was a game we wanted to win but the knockout game is the biggest game for a decade so we needed to make sure our key players were reserved,” said Southgate.

“The players tonight gave everything. We have seen the level everyone has been playing at. We need to keep improving.

“We kept pressing until the end. I think the supporters understand what the most important thing is.”

The result capped a strange last day of the group stages after Colombia earlier qualified top of Group H, with Japan joining them in the knockout phase despite a 1-0 defeat to Poland in Volgograd.

As the minutes ticked away the players slowed to a walking pace in a farcical end to the match, with both sides settling for the status quo.

Four hundred miles (640 kilometres) to the northeast in Samara, Senegal, level on points, goal difference and goals scored with Japan, knew they needed a goal to nudge Japan out of the qualification spots.

But Aliou Cisse’s side could not find the inspiration they needed to respond to Yerry Mina’s second-half headed goal and their exit ended a miserable tournament for African sides, not one of whom progressed.

– Clean Japan –

Japan coach Akira Nishino said he was “forced” to tell his players to slow down at the end and not take any risks, despite boos ringing out from spectators.

“It was a very tough decision,” he explained, adding: “I chose to keep the status quo in our game, and rely instead on the other result.

“My players were very loyal in listening to me and following my decision. It was tough, as my style is attack-minded. The situation forced me to make this decision.”

Colombia coach Pekerman said he was relieved his team — who reached the quarter-finals in Brazil in 2014 — were going through from a tough group.

“This was a very even group and you see that with Senegal, who had a very good tournament, going home,” he said.

“There was a lot of tension in the air today and, in that regard, I think my team did very well.”

The remaining teams at the World Cup are still taking stock after the dramatic exit of Joachim Loew’s 2014 winners, who finished rock bottom of their group after a 2-0 defeat to South Korea.

Germany apologised to the country on their official Twitter account before the team landed in Frankfurt.

“Dear fans, we’re just as disappointed as you,” the tweet read. “We’re sorry we didn’t play like world champions. That’s why we deserved to be eliminated, as bitter as it is.”

Defender Mats Hummels had earlier tweeted out his regrets with a succinct “sorry…” and a crying-face emoji.

German media have given a damning verdict of the campaign, which will be remembered as the first time since 1938 that the country has failed to make it past the first round.

“No words!” chided the best-selling Bild daily, over a picture of a despondent-looking Toni Kroos.

Despite a huge scare for Lionel Messi’s Argentina, who needed a late goal from Marcos Rojo to edge through to the knockout phase, all of the tournament’s other big guns are through to the last 16 in Russia.

Friday is a rest day. The last-16 ties start Saturday, with France taking on Argentina in Kazan and Uruguay facing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Sochi.

IOC president Bach and IOC member Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul said their thoughts were with the missing members of Moo Pa  (Wild Hog) Academy team believed stranded in Tham Luang cave.

“I assure you and everyone involved that the thoughts of the entire Olympic Movement are with them and supporting them,” Bach wrote in a statement sent to Patama, also the Badminton Association of Thailand president.

“We must all remain strong and support each other at this time and trust in that the strength and determination of these young athletes will deliver them.”

Patama, the only Thai IOC member, said: “I strongly believe that the brave hearts of the young footballers and the assistant coach will carry them through this tough moment. They will be safe and sound.” – The Nation

Also advancing were Thailand’s No 1 women’s duo Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai, who beat Maiken Fruergaard and Sara Thygesen of Denmark 21-11 21-18.

But in the men’s singles second round, world No 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark ruined former Thai No 1 Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk’s return from injury by eliminating the onetime world No 10 23-21 19-21 21- 11.

Young gun Kantaphon Wancharoen who upset Chen Long of China in round one went down to Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia 13-21 19-21.

On the women’s side, Ratchanok Intanon beat compatriot Nitchaon Jindapol 21-18 21-15 while Pornpawee Chochuwong stunned reigning world champion Nozomi Okuhara 13-21 21-13 21-14.

The 25-year-old from Chanthaburi who finished runner-up in the Thailand Open, another Asian Tour event, earlier this month, shot nine birdies against a lone bogey to take the lead ahead of countryman Jazz Janewattananond who carded an error free 64 at the 6,951-yard landscape.

“I hit very good approach shots today. My mid-irons and short irons were very good. I got a bit of luck with my putting as well. The highlight of my round today was on the 12th hole. I almost made an eagle there but my putt lipped out, ” said Poom.

“I am very happy with the way I played today. I wasn’t thinking much. I just stuck to my game plan and kept the momentum going. The game’s feeling much better now. I am feeling more confident after finishing second at the Thailand Open earlier,” he added.

Another Thai young gun, Danthai Boonma, carded 65 to share third spot with Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh and heavily-fancied American Paul Petterson. Defending champion Nicholus Fung of Malaysia started in dismal form by shooting a 72.

Jazz Janewattananond

Jazz said:”I was playing with no pressure. I guess that helps. It’s still early in the week. I am not thinking much. It’s going to be a hot week here. I was just trying to save my energy. It was pretty windy when we start so it was a little tough.”

    Mexicans were watching in horror as their team was thrashed by Sweden 3-0, leaving their only hope of getting out of Group F an unlikely Korean victory over the defending champions.

But the city exploded into joyous celebration when South Korea dramatically scored two injury-time goals to eliminate the world’s top-ranked side in one of the great World Cup upsets.

Hundreds of Mexicans mobbed the South Korean embassy, chanting “We are all Koreans!” as one fan lifted the consul general, Han Byoung-jin, onto his shoulders.

Videos posted on social media also showed ambassador Kim Sang-il sharing a bottle of tequila with fans and jumping up and down as the crowd partied outside the embassy, chanting “Korean brother, now you’re Mexican!”

The embassy was bombarded by phone calls thanking South Koreans, Korea’s Yonhap news agency said, including one from Mexico’s undersecretary for foreign affairs.

Mexican finance minister Jose Antonio Gonzalez Anaya also called his counterpart in Seoul to thank South Korea, Seoul’s finance ministry said, promising to treat him to a nice meal at the next G20 finance ministers’ meeting.//AFP

Sweden, who at half-time were heading home from Russia, scored three times in the second half to deservedly beat a ragged Mexico 3-0 in Yekaterinburg.

Reigning champions Germany were stunned 2-0 by South Korea in Kazan, bringing a shock early end to their campaign.

Andersson had been infuriated by the celebrations of some of Germany’s bench when Toni Kroos scored an injury-time winner last weekend to beat the Swedes 2-1.

He had accused Germany of “rubbing it in our faces”, but he took a more conciliatory approach after his men outmuscled Mexico.

Asked if Germany going home made it an even more satisfying evening, the 55-year-old said: “Never in a million years, you play the game and then wish everyone the best for the next one.

“I am not like that (gloating), it is not like that in sport.”

Andersson added: “I was very angry, but that was then and this is now.”

His opposite number Juan Carlos Osorio said he was “very hurt” and hit out at Sweden‘s style of football as his side limped into the knockouts.

Sweden’s coach Janne Andersson 

Mexico were left hoping that Germany did not beat South Korea in the other final group game, as the tension that had bubbled throughout ratcheted up a notch.

As it was, the Mexico fans packed into Yekaterinburg Arena raucously celebrated both South Korean goals and beer rained down when news filtered through that Germany, incredibly, were exiting the tournament.

Sweden and Mexico will next play either Brazil, Switzerland or Serbia from Group E in the knockout round.

– Nerves –

Osorio’s criticism will be of no concern to Andersson as goals from defenders Ludwig Augustinsson and Andreas Granqvist, from the penalty spot, plus a comical own goal were reward for a physical display.

Sweden only made it to Russia by beating Italy in the play-offs, but were worthy winners at the Yekaterinburg Arena, condemning Mexico’s large following to a nervy ending as they became reliant on South Korea in Kazan.

Some of the Mexican fans applauded Sweden afterwards, admission that Andersson’s men had taught their side a lesson, albeit one that Osorio has little time for.

For Augustinsson, 24, who plays in Germany for Werder Bremen, it was his first goal for his country and “a dream come true”.

It could have been worse for Mexico, who started badly and never recovered, and Sweden were denied what looked a strong call for a penalty on 30 minutes.

Referee Nestor Pitana of Argentina took a look at a video replay when the ball hit Mexico striker Javier Hernandez on the arm in the box.

After lingering at the pitch-side monitor, then going back for a second glance, Pitana ruled it no penalty — the Mexicans celebrated as if they had scored a goal.

At the interval, with the game also goalless in Kazan, Mexico and Germany were going through.

Sweden needed a goal and five minutes after half-time they got it, Augustinsson popping up from left-back to volley in.

There was more drama on the hour, as Hector Moreno brought down Marcus Berg in the box and skipper Granqvist held his nerve in front of the massed ranks of Mexicans to bury his penalty.

Mexico defender Edson Alvarez compounded a miserable evening with a 74th-minute own goal when he miskicked past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

That left Mexico in a perilous position, as a late German winner would have sent them crashing out, but two injury-time South Korean goals ensured Osorio’s men edged through as runners-up.

A pair of late goals from Kim Young-gwon and Tottenham forward Son Heung-min, combined with a superb display from goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo helped South Korea create one of the greatest shocks in the history of the tournament.

Germany, the 2014 champions, Confederations Cup champions and FIFA’s top-ranked team, were eliminated at the first hurdle for the first time since 1938.

Unfortunately for South Korea, who had been given no hope following defeats to Mexico and Sweden, it was not enough to secure their passage to the last 16 for the first time since 2010.

In 2002, the Asians joint-hosted the tournament with Japan and finished in fourth place.

“I feel great but at the same time I feel a little bit empty, so I feel a little bit ambivalent,” Shin said when asked to put his side’s historic feat into context.

South Korea’s coach Shin Tae-yong

“Yesterday we said there was only a 1% chance and so I told my players it really was a last-ditch effort for them and I told them that they had to fight until the end.

“Germany are the defending champions and number one in the FIFA ranking, so I thought about what mistakes Germany might make, because they probably felt they would be able to beat us – that’s what everybody thought.

“I thought we could use that as a reverse strategy and that has really hit the nail on the head.”

Sweden’s 3-0 win over Mexico in the group’s other match meant the pair advanced on six points apiece. South Korea, on three, finished third, ahead of Germany on goal difference.

Shin said he took some encouragement from his side’s performance.

“We’re not going to the last 16, but we did manage to beat the champions and the world number one team,” he added.

“I hope we can build on that, manage to improve and do better in the future.”

A 3-0 thrashing of Argentina came in between victories over Nigeria and Iceland in Group D as Dalic’s team sailed through to the knock-out stage with nine points out of nine.

But Croatia made a similarly impressive opening at Euro 2016, beating Spain to finish top of their group, only to tumble out to Portugal.

“It’s all great for the history books in Croatia but if we don’t win against Denmark, when someone asks you what you did, what can you say? Nothing,” Dalic said on Wednesday.

“Our first goal for this World Cup was to pass the group stage but that doesn’t really satisfy myself or the team. We have Denmark against us now and that’s the moment of truth.”

Denmark held France to a goalless draw on Tuesday to go through as runners-up in Group C and their key threat in Nizhny Novgorod will be star midfielder Christian Eriksen.

Eriksen provided the assist for Yussuf Poulsen’s winner against Peru and then opened the scoring with a superb strike in their draw against Australia.

“He is a really key player for Denmark,” Dalic said. “But we can’t really pay special attention just to him. We played similarly against Lionel Messi and Argentina.

“What is important is the whole team defends together, not just as individuals or the midfield player in his area. The whole team has to do it together.”

The victory fired Brazil into the last 16 and sent the Selecao’s fans into party mode at Moscow’s Spartak Stadium, raising hopes a sixth title is now a realistic prospect.

It was a stark contrast to their first two outings — a shock 1-1 draw with Switzerland and laboured 2-0 win over Costa Rica — that left Brazil needing a draw against Serbia to avoid a group stage exit.

But unlike defending champions Germany, who were eliminated hours earlier after losing to South Korea, the South Americans managed to produce when it mattered.

They comprehensively outplayed Serbia, peppering their goal while restricting their opponents to just one shot on target. Coach Tite said there was more improvement in the team who, in Germany’s absence, are now favourites to lift the trophy.

“We can take the pressure… for us, this is about getting stronger and growing,” he said.

Philippe Coutinho, who scored in the opening two games, again provided a dynamic presence, defending like a terrier and setting up Paulinho’s opening goal in the 38th minute with a superb long-range pass.

But it was Neymar who characterised the change in Brazil as they approach a round of 16 showdown with Mexico in Samara on Monday.

Concerns were raised about his emotional state when he sank to the ground sobbing after scoring an injury time goal against Costa Rica, with pundits in Brazil fearing he could crack under pressure to deliver in Russia.

Against Serbia he was far more positive, working hard to get involved in attack and delivering the corner that Thiago Silva headed home 22 minutes from time.

He responded to Silva’s goal with delight, thumping his chest and waving his arms to urge the fans to make more noise.

The 26-year-old showed no sign of the foot injury that sidelined him for months in the lead-up to the tournament and grew in confidence as the match wore in.

In the last 10 minutes alone he shot over the bar, almost lobbed the goalkeeper and took on three defenders in the box as the crowd chanted his name.

Neymar showed no frustration when he wasn’t rewarded with a goal of his own.

Instead, like the Brazil team as a whole, he looked like he was once against enjoying his football and took time out after the match to thank fans and blow them kisses.