Just A Few Things: Poland Vs. Colombia

Credits: Bayern Munich English Twitter

Caged, Yet Frantic

The Japan/Senegal result did not yield any favors for either Poland and Colombia. With those teams on four points each, the loser of this match will be sent packing. Seemingly Poland knew this and immediately came out of the gates to get a sniff around Colombia’s box. They failed to make use of whatever dominance they had in the opening few minutes.

Colombia also tried to get the ball quickly when they do get possession. But they too also couldn’t create the necessary chances to trouble Poland. That is until the 40th minute. James Rodriguez picked the loose ball after Poland half cleared a set-piece. He crossed the ball beautifully and somehow, Yerry Mina was afforded so much space to head past Wojciech Szczesny. It was their only notable chance of the half. But it was only the beginning of Poland’s despair.

Sliced Open

In the end though, Colombia finally got their game together after 20 minutes in. They took control of the match, winning possession from the Poland midfield and they set off making runs towards the opposition box. Other than the Mina header, it was as good as it got heading into half-time.

When both teams came out for the restart, Colombia looked a lot more rejuvenated. Whatever Jose Pekerman said during the half-time team talked worked. Poland suddenly found themselves against the wall. Colombia attacked with much more flair. James Rodriguez’ skills was as good as ever and Juan Cuadrado & Juan Quintero looked lively with their energetic pace to discomfort the Poland defence. Poland was sliced open by Colombia’s fast tempo.

Quintero was the one who assisted the second goal by making that defense-splitting pass. James made an even better pass five minutes later. By the touchline on the left-wing, he somehow pulled off an amazing pass with great technique despite  being surrounded by Polish players when he saw Juan Cuadrado running down the center of the field. Cuadrado coolly scored past Szczesny to send Poland home.

One Striker Shines, The Other Dims

Radamel Falcao to be honest didn’t do much in the first half. He looked like having an off day and was about to see his wait for his first World Cup goal further extended. He had a chance on goal but strangely decided to backheel the ball when he saw Cuadrado running behind him, but it didn’t work out. Then on 70 minutes, he showed why his knack of goalscoring was still present.

From the half-space on the right, he timed his run well to escape his marker in order to receive Quintero’s through pass. He used the outside of his boot to sidefoot the ball home for Colombia’ second and was well on the way for an emphatic victory.

Sadly for Poland, on a night that they must win to stay in it and at the same time knocking out Colombia, they failed to do those two things in one fell swoop. No one turned up for this occasion and even more so for Robert Lewandowski. He sadly failed to influence his team to weather the Colombian storm. His teammates too also were a letdown and they brutally paid for it. Lewandowski seemed to have left his shooting boots back in Munich.

 

Who Is The Biggest Winner Tonight? Japan

Depending on who won, either Japan or Senegal will have a tough time to get through their final group opponents. After last night’s results, it would seem Senegal will get the spotlight on them. The stage between them and Colombia are now set. A draw would be enough to see Senegal through but Colombia showed why they are a force to be reckoned with.

With Poland out of contention, Japan may have an easier time dealing with their opponents. Although, Poland may want to end their campaign on a high. Japan must not afford to underestimate them even though they have nothing to play for. Their approach against Senegal may be similar to how Colombia won this crucial match, so Poland’s grief has not ended yet.

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