Japan made FIFA World Cup history on Monday morning (AEST) after a 10-man Colombia made a nightmare start to football’s showpiece tournament.

The Blue Samurai became the first Asian team to secure a win over a South American opponent at the World Cup as the first-round upsets continue.

Colombia conceded a penalty and had a man sent off just three minutes into the match when Carlos Sanchez made a stunning error by attempting to stop Shinji Kagawa’s shot at on goal with his hand.

Kagawa scored from the penalty spot and Japan never looked back in their Group H encounter.

https://twitter.com/TheWorldGame/status/1009045499444248576

Juan Quintero levelled the score with a clever free kick, firing low under the jumping wall, six minutes before halftime, only for Japan to claim the winner when Yuya Osako headed home Keisuke Honda’s corner in the 73rd minute.

The win was Japan’s first World Cup victory on European soil, and the first time they had beaten a side from South America at the tournament.

Asian teams had previously managed three draws in 17 matches against South American sides.

Sanchez’s sending-off in the third minute was the second fastest in World Cup history after Uruguay’s Jose Batista was shown a red card after just 55 seconds against Scotland in 1986.

In other day-seven action, World Cup host Russia virtually booked its place in the second round with a 3-1 win over Egypt.

Russia, which leads Group A with six points from two games, scored three goals in 15 minutes early in the second half before Liverpool star Mohamed Salah struck from a penalty, awarded after a video review.

Senegal shares the Group H lead with Japan after defeating Poland 2-1 in Moscow, with Grzegorz Kyrchowiak’s 86th-minute strike just a consolation for the losers.

‘We need to win’

Socceroos midfielder Aaron Mooy summed up the mood in camp when speaking to the press in Kazan on Tuesday.

A result against Denmark on Thursday is key for the Socceroos – be it a win or a draw – if they are to remain a chance of qualifying for the last 16.

When asked by The New Daily if Australia would take the game to Denmark from the start, Mooy responded: “Against France, I think the game plan worked well.”

“Maybe we need to attack a little bit more but this depends on the way the game is going.

“We do need to win. Hopefully we can create chances and put it [them] away.”

The Socceroos registered just four shots on goal against France, with the only one on target coming from Mile Jedinak’s successful penalty.

Mooy also spoke about how much he was enjoying training under new coach Bert van Marwijk and assistant Mark van Bommel after another gruelling session under the Kazan sun.

“Bert and Mark have done a terrific job so far. We’re enjoying the training – it’s hard, it’s tough,” he added.

“I’m learning a lot from Mark van Bommel as a midfielder.”

 Star sent home

Croatia striker Nikola Kalinic has been sent home from Russia after stunningly refusing to play in his nation’s opening match at the FIFA World Cup.

Kalinic started as a substitute in Croatia’s 2-0 win over Nigeria on Sunday (AEST) and was asked to come off the bench in the second half.

But after warming up, the experienced forward refused to play, citing a back issue, angering coach Zlatko Dalic.

Kalinic is an experienced striker. Photo: Getty

“During the Nigeria encounter, Kalinic was warming up and was supposed to come on in the second half,” he said.

“However, he then stated that he wasn’t ready to come on due to a back issue.

“The same thing happened during the Brazil friendly in England, as well as before the practice session on Sunday.

“I need my players fit and ready to play. I have made this decision [to send him home].”

Kalinic has played for the likes of AC Milan, Fiorentina and Blackburn Rovers during his career.

The decision means Croatia’s World Cup squad is now down to 22 with FIFA rules stating nations are not allowed replacement players.

Musings from Kazan …

It is almost time for The New Daily to leave Kazan, a tremendous city that has been bathed in sunshine in recent days.

The people are friendly and the local food has been terrific, meaning this has been a very enjoyable stint, highlighted by Australia’s match against France.

Particularly good from a culinary point of view has been the ‘chak-chak’ – the doughy, honey treat that is so popular in this part of the world it even has its own museum.

Chak-chak in all its glory. Photo: The New Daily

Seeing the city’s stunning Kremlin was also a highlight, while it has been very interesting to observe Australia training from the team base over the last couple of days.

If you are travelling to Russia, I would highly recommend Kazan.

But it is time to move on. Next up … Samara.

Day eight

Action begins with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal up against Morocco from 10pm AEST.

Ronaldo bagged a hat-trick in a 3-3 classic against Spain and his appearance will be followed by Uruguay’s clash against Saudi Arabia (1am).

Spain then round out the eighth day at the Cup with a meeting against Iran (4am).