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Southampton: Bednarek triumphs in battle of the Saints

By Marc Walker

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 28: Jan Bednarek of Poland celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Japan and Poland at Volgograd Arena on June 28, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 28: Jan Bednarek of Poland celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Japan and Poland at Volgograd Arena on June 28, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Southampton defender Jan Bednarek scored the only goal as his Poland side beat Japan and Maya Yoshida 1-0 in the World Cup’s battle of the Saints.

He arrived at the back post to connect with a set-piece delivery and volleyed home to give his country something to cheer about from the tournament and to secure victory over his Southampton teammate.

Poland already knew that they couldn’t progress from Group H after losing their first two matches to Senegal and Colombia and results elsewhere helped Japan to qualify for the Round of 16.

Japan will now go on to face either Belgium or England in their next match and the team will have a close eye on the clash between the Group G heavyweights tonight.

Bednarek will now have an extended holiday after a long season and return to England to train with his Saints teammates later in July. Pre-season training for those players not involved at the tournament started today as Mark Hughes prepares his team for the 2018/19 campaign.

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VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 28: Jan Bednarek of Poland scores past Eiji Kawashima of Japan his team’s first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Japan and Poland at Volgograd Arena on June 28, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 28: Jan Bednarek of Poland scores past Eiji Kawashima of Japan his team’s first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Japan and Poland at Volgograd Arena on June 28, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

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The 22-year-old had an impressive game to end his time in Russia. In defence, he made one interception, five clearances and blocked one shot. In possession, he completed 92% of his passes and netted the winner 31 minutes from time (according to whoscored.com).

Yoshida also had a thoroughly decent game. In defence, he made one tackle, six clearances and blocked one shot too. 98.8% of his passes were accurate too, although many of these came at the end of the game as Japan ran down the clock.

After good displays at the end of the 2017/18 season as partners in defence for Saints, both players look to be in good shape ahead of the upcoming season.

Once they return to Staplewood to start training, they will likely meet a number of new additions to the Saints squad. Stuart Armstrong has already signed and Mohamed Elyounoussi is expected to join him soon.

Colombia beat Senegal 1-0 in the other game in this group and will join Japan in the Round of 16 ties that start on Saturday.

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