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Japan pip Senegal on fair play to make World Cup history

Japan edged through to the last 16 of the World Cup ahead of Senegal in bizarre circumstances, becoming the first team in finals history to advance due to a better fair play record.

With the two sides tied on points and goals heading into their final matches, each required only a point to be sure of a place in the next round.

With Colombia climbing to the top of the group, yellow card rankings were required and Japan came out on top, having only been cautioned four times to Senegal's six.

FIFA introduced this method of separating teams for the 2018 tournament, with the drawing of lots the next step if Japan had picked up another two yellow cards in Thursday's match.