Japan qualified for the World Cup knockout stage on Thursday, despite losing their final Group H game 1-0 to Poland. Here are five things we learned from their progression through the group stage.

Coach Akira Nishino is not afraid of criticism

A J-League and Asian Champions League title winner when he was in charge of Gamba Osaka, Nishino was apparently willing to risk the wrath of media and fans with his selection and tactics for the Poland match, making wholesale changes to a lineup that had proven successful against Colombia and Senegal. The manager, who oversaw Japan's "Miracle of Miami" win over Brazil at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, then did a complete about-face on his vaunted attacking philosophy, making his players hold on for a 1-0 loss against the European side to a chorus of jeers at Volgograd Arena.

(Nishino celebrates after Japan see off Colombia in their opener)

The fair play tie-breaker is a harsh way to go out

After three rounds of Group H matches, Senegal and Japan were tied behind Colombia with identical points, goal difference and goals scored but the Samurai Blue advanced thanks to having fewer yellow cards than the Lions of Teranga. While this was a preferable method of breaking the tie than drawing lots, Senegal can feel harshly done by after having been the equal of Japan according to every major benchmark.

(Senegal players look dejected after fair play points deficit eliminates them from the tournament)[Getty/Kyodo]

Kawashima went from zero to hero, almost

In the lead-up to the clash with Poland, the goalkeeper said he had rightfully earned criticism for his blunder against Senegal which saw Japan go 1-0 down and, to some degree, his failure to prevent Colombia's first goal in their opening match, saying he wanted to repay his teammates. He did just that in the 32nd minute, pulling off a spectacular diving save to deny Poland winger Kamil Grosicki.

(Kawashima atones for earlier gaffes in the tournament with super save against Poland)

Set-play defense remains a problem for Japan

While Nishino's men defended well in open play, closing down the middle of the park and restricting opponents' movement on the wings, they still looked vulnerable at times on set plays. Two of the four goals against the Samurai Blue in the group stage were conceded from dead-ball situations, despite the team making a concerted effort to address what has long been one of their major weaknesses.

(Slack defending from a free kick allows Jan Bednarek to fire Poland in front) 

Japan owe Carlos Sanchez a beer

After three rounds of group play, it is clear that Colombia were the best team in Group H. The South Americans beat every side they faced with 11 men, and almost held on for a draw against Japan despite being reduced to 10. Had Colombia not lost defender Sanchez to a red card after three minutes against Japan, it is safe to say the Samurai Blue might not have clinched the points they needed to reach the round of 16.

(Sanchez (6) was red carded for blocking Shinji Kagawa's shot just moments into Japan's win over Colombia)