Japan coach Akira Nishino shakes hands with Yuto Nagatomo during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group H match between Japan and Poland, at Volgograd Arena, June 28, 2018. [Photo/Agencies]
Most dubious tactics
The tactics used by Japan in the closing minutes against Poland were questionable to say the least. Japanese coach Akira Nishino admitted his team wasted time to guarantee a berth in the knockout stage. Ironically, Japan advanced by virtue of FIFA's fair play rule, which rewards teams that have received fewer yellow cards.