By Michael Place
SARANSK, Russia, June 19 (Xinhua) -- This was not the script that Radamel Falcao had in mind. The striker's long wait to play in a World Cup finally ended on Tuesday, but his hopes of a winning debut in football's flagship tournament were all but dashed in the frantic opening minutes of Colombia's Group H match against Japan.
The South Americans were reduced to 10 men in the third minute when Carlos Sanchez used his arm inside the penalty area to block a Shinji Kagawa shot.
Kagawa converted the resultant penalty, leaving Colombia with a gargantuan task of getting back into the match; one that was made even more difficult by the absence of playmaker James Rodriguez from the starting eleven because of muscle fatigue.
"We gave everything but it's very difficult when you have a player sent off so early," said Falcao, who missed the 2014 World Cup in Brazil because of a knee injury. "We did all we could and didn't give up but Japan were strong in the second half. We have to accept the result."
That Colombia were able to draw level via a Juan Quintero free-kick before halftime was testament to the Cafeteros' fighting spirit. But, despite the introduction of Rodriguez on the hour mark, Colombia's numerical disadvantage ultimately proved telling.
Yuya Osako restored the lead for Japan with a 73rd minute header and the Blue Samurai withstood a late Colombia charge to secure revenge for their 4-1 defeat in Brazil four years ago.
Falcao admitted he was overcome with emotion as he wept while Colombia's national anthem was played before the first whistle.
"It was really emotional," the 32-year-old Monaco striker said. I tried to enjoy it as much as I could, as if I wouldn't have another opportunity."
According to Falcao, Colombia are still confident of advancing to the knockout phase. To do so, the Cafeteros will likely need to win both of their remaining matches against Poland and Senegal.
"It started badly with a defeat but there are two games left and if we win both we can move forward," said Falcao, Colombia's all-time leading scorer with 29 goals.
"We have to strengthen as a group, it depends on us, the possibility is there," he added.
