There was a dramatic finish to Group H on Thursday afternoon as Colombia, Japan and Senegal all competed for a place in the knockout stages.Colombia advance to the next round as group winners following their 1-0 victory over Senegal. Barcelona defender Yerry Mina popped up with 15 minutes remaining to send the South American nation into the next round.They are joined in the last 16 by Japan, who go through despite losing 1-0 to rock-bottom Poland in Volgograd.Japan and Senegal finished with the same number of points, the same goal difference and the same number of goals scored.However, it’s Akira Nishino’s side who will play the winners of England’s group in Rostov-on-Don on July 2 due to their superior fair play record. Yep, Senegal have been eliminated because they picked up more yellow cards that the Japanese.The end of Japan’s game against Poland, however, has led to a rather severe backlash from football fans on social media.Why? Because the closing stages of the match were played at walking pace. Neither Japan nor Poland made an effort to win the match after hearing about Mina’s goal over in Samara.

Shameful footage of closing stages of Japan-Poland

Despite the fact a Senegal goal would have knocked them out, Japan made no effort to attack during the final 10-15 minutes.

Poland showed an equal lack of effort to attack because they wanted the three points which ensure their 2018 World Cup campaign hasn’t been a complete disaster.

But many football fans were left shocked by the scenes and have taken to social media to express their disgust.

Gary Lineker, analysing the highlights of the match following Colombia’s win over Senegal, echoed the sentiments of most football fans by saying: “This surely goes against what the game stands for.”

Japan have just lost the support of neutrals

One thing is now certain: it’s difficult to imagine too many neutrals getting behind Japan after this.

Fans pay big money to attend World Cup matches for the experience and to be entertained but neither Japan and Poland cared about that on this occasion.

Senegal unfortunately failed to level the scores against Colombia and now exit the World Cup.

Were Japan right to waste time like this - or is it shameful? Have your say by leaving a comment below.