Japan defeated Colombia 2-1 at Saransk's Mordovia Arena on Tuesday. Midfielder Sanchez became the first player at the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be sent off after receiving a red card for deliberate handball in the third minute, while Japan scored from the resulting penalty.

"When Carlos was sent off, we felt a great loss, but we still had to play the whole match. Carlos himself is very upset now. He plays an important role in middle of the pitch," Cuadrado said.

The 30-year-old noted that while Japan played well, Colombia were let down by their inability to keep possession.

"We tried to control the ball after his [Sanchez's] red card, but the Japanese did it much better. They are a very strong opponent, but we still created chances. But we didn't manage to win, and now we have to make the most of the remaining games. We believe that everything is still possible at this World Cup," Cuadrado added.