Pictures Japan vs Poland: Match in pictures Akira Nishino's call to change his Japan team almost backfired as it progressed on fair play after a 1-0 defeat to Poland. Team Sportstar 28 June, 2018 22:22 IST Team Sportstar 28 June, 2018 22:22 IST Japan became the first team to qualify from the World Cup group stages via fair play rankings despite a 1-0 defeat to Poland. (Getty Images) 1/10 Jan Bednarek's fine strike won the game for Poland. (Getty Images) 2/10 Japan scarcely threatened as Shinji Kagawa and Takashi Inui started on the bench and they were instead dependent on results elsewhere. (Getty Images) 3/10 Akira Nishino's call to change his Japan team almost backfired as they progressed on fair play after a 1-0 defeat to Poland. (Getty Images) 4/10 A fan celebrates after Japan qualified for the round of 16. (Getty Images) 5/10 On the other hand, it was disappointing for Poland fans as they crashed out despite winning the game. (Getty Images) 6/10 On this showing, neither England nor Belgium – Japan's potential last-16 opponents – will fear playing Nishino's men. (Getty Images) 7/10 Poland earned their first point but it was Japan who entered the knock-out phase. (Getty Images) 8/10 The Samurai Blue had beaten Colombia and drawn with Senegal to enter their final Group H match. (Getty Images) 9/10 Jan Bednarek's brilliant goal couldn't help Poland qualify. (Getty Images) 10/10