Colombian midfielder Carlos Sanchez was red-carded in the third minute for handling a shot, the second fastest dismissal in the history of the competition. Japan scored the resultant penalty on their way to a 2-1 triumph.

"We were expecting something completely different,” said Pekerman. “We were hoping to start with a victory.”

Having guided Colombia to the last eight stage four years ahead, he believes the team can recover in their remaining Group H matches against Poland and Senegal.

“The team had a very good reaction after we went down to 10 men,” commented Pekerman. “If we can do that it shows that we have the wherewithal to move forward with the other matches and even win them. We can make up for this first defeat in the next two matches."