The water system in Japan was close to collapsing at half-time during the World Cup match against Colombia – and even soon after the match ended – as millions of people flushed their toilets almost at the same time, international media report.

The company responsible said that consumption of toilet water rose by 24% during half-time and 50% at the end of the match, pushing the system to the limit.

International media report that the Japanese were constrained to take action for Japan’s second game against Senegal to prevent the total collapse of the system.

Some 48% of Japanese were reported to have watched the game against Colombia.

Japan beat Colombia 2-1 and drew 2-2 against Senegal.