Poland and Colombia came into this game knowing that the loser would be out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup – and unfortunately, it was the Europeans who failed to live up to expectations. Despite coming into the tournament as one of the favourites to progress from the group, Poland were unable to utilise their best players as they crashed out against a Colombia team who could well be a force to be reckoned with as we prepare for the knockout stages.
The first 45 minutes certainly kept everyone on their toes, and courtesy of the England/Panama and Japan/Senegal games, the expectations were quite high. Both teams came firing out of the blocks but it quickly became obvious that Colombia possessed more quality going forward, with Robert Lewandowski failing to receive the kind of service that he needs to really make an impact. The South Americans, however, finally found their deserved breakthrough just five minutes before half-time.
Yerry Mina was the man who headed them ahead, ensuring that the streak of games with at least one goal continued. James Rodriguez, who’s fitness rendered him ineffective in the first game of the tournament, was the man who supplied the goal – and Szczesny’s misjudged departure off the line made Mina’s job even easier as Colombia went into the break with a great deal of momentum.
As the second half began it was obvious to see that Colombia were full of confidence, whereas Poland were simply going through the motions. Their main man Falcao, who missed out on competing at the tournament in Brazil broke through on goal and doubled Colombia’s advantage to cause utter bedlam amongst their fans in the stadium.
It felt like Poland just wanted the game to end as their World Cup campaign continued to die a slow death before Juan Cuadrado put the final nail in the coffin with a delightful finish to ensure that Colombia have a very realistic chance of progressing into the knockout stages.
On Thursday night the group will come to an end, as Japan try to secure their place in the Round of 16 when they play Poland. Colombia, however, will have an even trickier challenge when they face off against a tough Senegal side.
Match Ratings
Poland: Szczesny (5.5), Piszczek (5.5), Bednarek (5), Pazdan (6), Bereszynski (5.5), Krychowiak (6), Goralski (5.5), Rybus (6), Zielinski (5.5), Lewandowski (6), Kownacki (5.5)
Colombia: Ospina (6.5), Arias (6.5), Mina (7.5), Sanchez (7), Mojica (7.5), Aguilar (6.5), Barrios (7), Cuadrado (8), Quintero (8), Rodriguez (8.5), Falcao (8)
Referee: César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos
Goals: Mina, Falcao, Cuadrado
Yellow Cards: Bednarek, Goralski
Red Cards: N/A
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