YEKATERINBURG, Russia - Within 72 minutes, Keisuke Honda is waiting for opportunity in the bench. After six minutes, he made a history as the first Japanese player scoring a goal in the last three World Cups.
From the bench as a substitute player, the former AC Milan forward scored a goal after 78 minutes to guide Japan in a 2-2 draw against Senegal on Sunday.
The 32-year-old Honda also scored a goal in 2010 and 2014 World Cups. Throughout his international career, he recorded 37 goals.
"I believe I used substitutions very well in looking back," Japan coach Akira Nishino said. "Honda was moved from center to the wide side and he was very versatile and adapting to that position.
"We really wanted to win, we wanted to equalize and also take the lead even though there was only a short period of time left."
With the draw, the rivals led Group H to their final elimination match. Japan will face Poland, while Senegal will fight Colombia.
Sadio Mane has placed Senegal on 1-0 advantage in the 11th minute of the game.
"The ball touched my foot and went into the net. It was really just the foot on the ball," Mane said.
Japan recovered after 34 minutes from Takashi Inui, but Senegal again advanced to 2-1, when Moussa Wague scored in 71 minutes.
And after a long time on the bench, Honda played to scorch the score from striker Shinji Okazaki.
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