#Colombia arrived at the World Cup lauded as one the most attractive teams, spearheaded by the influential James Rodriguez and with expectations of going far in the tournament.
It took just three minutes into Tuesday’s game against underdogs Japan in Saransk for their plans to unravel.
The dismissal of Carlos Sanchez just as their opening Group H match got underway meant the Colombians simply had too high a mountain to climb.
Although they still played with great style and bravery, and even drew level after Japan after had taken the lead with the penalty from Sanchez’s deliberate handball, their 10 men grew ever more weary in the second half.
Japan secured their first World Cup win against a South American side with goal from Yuya Osako in the 73rd minute.
Given the build-up, it was a sobering moment for Colombia, as well as for the thousands of fans who had turned the Mordovia Arena into a sea of yellow.
“The players made a huge effort. Think about covering the same area of the pitch with one man less,” coach Jose Pekerman said.