World Cup: Colombia knock Senegal out to qualify for pre-quarters

World Cup: Colombia knock Senegal out to qualify for pre-quarters

SAMARA, June 28, 2018 (Xinhua) -- Carlos Sanchez (L) of Colombia vies with Sadio Mane of Senegal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group H match between Colombia and Senegal in Samara, Russia, June 28, 2018. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei/IANS)

SAMARA, June 28, 2018 (Xinhua) -- Johan Mojica (1st L) of Colombia lies on the pitch after his injury during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group H match between Colombia and Senegal in Samara, Russia, June 28, 2018. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng/IANS)

SAMARA, June 28, 2018 (Xinhua) -- Carlos Sanchez (L) of Colombia controls the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group H match between Colombia and Senegal in Samara, Russia, June 28, 2018. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng/IANS)

Samara, June 28 (IANS) Colombia qualified for the pre-quarterfinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup riding on Yerry Mina's second half winner to knock Senegal out in a crunch Group H encounter here on Thursday.

After a barren first half, Mina headed in a corner late in the second session to send Colombian players and supporters into delirium as they needed nothing less than a victory to secure qualification.

Japan lost to already disqualified Poland in the other Group H game meaning Colombia finished top of the charts with six points from three games while Senegal ended engagements in third place on four points.

--IANS

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