World Cup player watch: Senegal cruelly miss out as they make World Cup history
The latest on what the players at the World Cup have been up to as the final group games come to a conclusion.
Senegal made World Cup history after becoming the first team to be eliminated due to their inferior fair play record following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Colombia.
Yerry Mina headed home the only goal in the second half to put Colombia through as Group H winners, but Japan joined the South Americans in the last 16 despite having an identical record to Senegal.
Both Senegal and Japan finished with four points, four goals for, four goals against and their head-to-head record was also level following a 2-2 draw. However, the latter squeezed through after receiving four yellows compared to six picked up by Aliou Cisse’s team.
However, it was a different feeling for Colombia, who overcame defeat to Japan in their opening Group H match to reach the last 16.
One person who will miss Senegal is Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who posted a video of the African side dancing in training – which has gone viral in recent weeks – with a Liverpool-based song dubbed over the top.
The early exit of defending champions Germany is still sending shockwaves around the world as they failed to get out of the group stage for the first time.
And, two of the squad members did not hold back on their assessment of the national team’s performances.
Elsewhere, Tunisia goalkeeper Mouez Hassen saw his World Cup experience last just 16 minutes after picking up a shoulder injury during the opening Group G clash against England, and he gave an update to the fans.
Neymar, fresh from helping Brazil top Group E on Wednesday, showed his martial arts skills as he prepares to take on Mexico in the round of 16 on Monday.
Edinson Cavani and Javier Mascherano both looked relaxed as Uruguay and Argentina look to secure a place in the quarter-finals, but they have tricky ties against Portugal and France respectively first.
And finally, Alberto Abdiel Quintero enjoyed an interesting pre-match meal before Panama’s final Group G clash with Tunisia…
