Host Russia is on the verge of qualifying for the last-16 stage of the FIFA World Cup after beating Egypt 3-1 in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday. 

Russia took the lead in the 47th minute through an own goal from Egypt’s Ahmed Fathi, before Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba scored to put Russia in control.   

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah scored a penalty for Egypt midway through the second half, but Egypt failed to mount a comeback.   

Russia’s second win of the tournament means it now tops Group A with six points, and will qualify for the last-16 stage if group rival Saudi Arabia fails to beat Uruguay on Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, in Group H, Japan beat ten-man Colombia 2-1 in Saransk thanks to goals from Shinji Kagawa and Yuya Osako. Juan Quintero scored for Colombia, which had Carlos Sanchez sent off for a handball in just the third minute. 

In the day’s other game in Group H, Senegal defeated Poland 2-1 in Moscow following an own goal from Polish defender Thiago Cionek and a strike from M'Baye Niang. Grzegorz Krychowiak scored for Poland late on, but Senegal clinched the win to become the first African side to win a match at this year's World Cup.