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.

1 / 10

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) ▲