Shinji Okazaki - Colombia 1 Japan 2

Okazaki's Japan Overcome Colombia In World Cup Opener

Shinji Okazaki was the latest Leicester City player to feature at the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday in Japan's 2-1 victory over 10-man Colombia.
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- Leicester City striker Shinji Okazaki comes off the bench in Japan's 2-1 win over Colombia in Russia
- Shinji Kagawa and Yuya Osako struck for Japan, either side of Juan Fernando Quintero's free-kick
- Colombia had Carlos Sánchez sent off in the third minute for handling the ball in the area
- Japan next face Senegal in Group H on Sunday (4pm BST kick-off)
- This appearance was Okazaki's 115th cap for his country at his third World Cup

Over the past six days, Kasper Schmeichel, Wilfred Ndidi, Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho and Harry Maguire have all represented their respective countries in Russia.

On Tuesday, it was Okazaki's turn for a run-out in the 85th minute - his 115th cap - as Japan overcame Colombia, who had Carlos Sánchez sent off after three minutes at Mordovia Arena.

Sánchez was dismissed for handling the ball inside the penalty area, gifting Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa with an opportunity to open the scoring from the spot in the sixth minute.

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Shinji Okazaki fans
Shinji Okazaki fans

City's Japanese striker has cult icon status in his home country.

While Juan Fernando Quintero's free-kick made it 1-1 before the break, Yuya Osako's 73rd minute header ensured that Japan became the first Asian side to defeat a South American team in World Cup history.

Five minutes from the end, Foxes star Okazaki, 32, was introduced to the action, replacing Osako, to mark a first appearance in Russia - at his third World Cup for Japan.

Okazaki could be in action again verses Senegal on Sunday (4pm BST kick-off) while Adrien Silva and Ricardo Pereira could feature for Portugal against Morocco in Group B on Wednesday (1pm BST).

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