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.

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)

Jan Bednarek's fine strike won the game for Poland. (Getty Images)

Japan scarcely threatened as Shinji Kagawa and Takashi Inui started on the bench and they were instead dependent on results elsewhere. (Getty Images)

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)

A fan celebrates after Japan qualified for the round of 16. (Getty Images)

On the other hand, it was disappointing for Poland fans as they crashed out despite winning the game. (Getty Images)

On this showing, neither England nor Belgium – Japan's potential last-16 opponents – will fear playing Nishino's men. (Getty Images)

Poland earned their first point but it was Japan who entered the knock-out phase. (Getty Images)

The Samurai Blue had beaten Colombia and drawn with Senegal to enter their final Group H match. (Getty Images)

Jan Bednarek's brilliant goal couldn't help Poland qualify. (Getty Images)

1 / 0

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)