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SCORE: Poland 0-3 Colombia (Mina 40'; Falcao 70'; Cuadrado 75')
The two teams most backed to come through Group H had both gotten off to the worst start possible at the World Cup. While Poland lost to Senegal and Colombia to Japan, both teams had a lot to do with their own downfall.
Poland went behind to a deflected shot which ought to have been dealt with before Krychowiak gave Senegal a gift to help themselves to all three points. Colombia, on the other hand, got a man sent off in the opening four minutes against Japan and gave themselves a mountain to overcome, which they never did.
So it meant that nothing but a win would do for either side with the prospect of exiting the competition in the group stages staring them in the face, as the group was wide open with the two underdogs, Senegal and Japan, with a win and a draw each.
In one of the most exciting performances of the World Cup, Colombia put Poland to the sword, demolishing them 0-3 and keeping their hopes of progression alive.
Here are the talking points:
#5 Lewandowski looked off colour
The biggest star in arguably his country's history, a lot was expected off Robert Lewandowski in this edition of the World Cup. A near unbelievable record of 55 goals in just 96 matches before the start of play gives us an indication of why that is so.
He has been irritable in Germany over last season or so with Bayern Munich, accusing his teammates of not helping him enough with scoring more goals. It seemed like he carried some of that irritation with him over to the national camp.
If the Bayern players weren't good enough for the striker, the players in the Polish national side never stood a chance, did they?
Lewandowski cannot absolve himself of the blame as even when he did receive the ball from his teammates, albeit around the centre of the park rather than in the opponents' box where he reigns supreme, he was bullied, I repeat, bullied off it by Yerri Mina and his partner Davidson Sanchez.
#4 Yerri Mina has arguably cemented his place in the starting lineup
The Barcelona defender was left out of the starting lineup by Jose Pekerman in the opener against Japan, opting instead to go with Carlos Sanchez. The little said about the latter's performance in the game against Japan the better, as he headed back for an early shower thanks to a straight red card offence. The earliest in the history of the competition, as it turns out, at just four minutes played.
Although the selection of Yerri Mina for the clash against Poland was forced upon Pekerman, the selection of the defender for the final match of the group stage isn't. However, the performance of the defender, coming out with the ball from almost every challenge, must've made the coach's mind for him.
He also went on to score the opener, using his height advantage (he stands tall at 6ft 5in) to get his head to the ball in from James Rodriguez, ahead of Szczesny in goal. But, we cannot stress how much Mina harried Robert Lewandowski and that should alone sufficient to guarantee him a spot in the next match. He along with Davidson Sanchez looked immovable in the centre of the defence for Colombia.
#3 Falcao, Rodriguez, Quintero, and Cuadrado played some of the best football of the World Cup so far
The four attacking players for Colombia turned on the style for everyone present at the Kazan Stadium. The majority of those present, luckily, were wearing the yellow for Colombia.
Their team gave them something to remember for a long time. Each of the players mentioned seemed to be having their best night in their international careers. James Rodriguez laid the ball on a plate for Mina who got the opener before he played the most delicious ball through the defence for Juan Cuadrado who got the third.
Quintero played in Ramadel Falcao who slotted the ball home with the most audacious outside-of-the-boot finish for the second. Everyone played more than their part and also ended up showboating for the fans who turned up in numbers to support their team. A memorable night all round for the Colombians.
#2 Poland knocked out of the World Cup
Poland's ride in Russia came to an end despite a game to go. After losing to Senegal in the opener, who themselves are level on 4 points with Japan after playing out a draw, they had to get three points to stay alive in the group.
They failed to get even one against Colombia and it meant that even if they won their final game against Japan, it wouldn't be enough to lift them into the first two positions. They had a forgettable campaign after they were expected to make it into the round of sixteen emerging through, what looked at the start, like a manageable group.
A goal and no points just aren't going to cut it in this World Cup where the matches are so eagerly contested and fought by those expected to wither away.
#1 Colombia clear the first obstacle to progression
Colombia's situation wasn't much different from Poland's before the start of play. They, too, desperately needed to win to keep their chances alive in Russia after the false start against Japan. The performance on the night was deserving of more than the regular three points, but that's not how football works. They move a point behind Japan and Senegal who are tied at four points each.
With Colombia playing Senegal in the final fixture, and Japan taking on Poland, Colombia need to ensure they draw at the very least against the African side which will put the South Americans above Senegal on goal difference. That will be enough to ensure that they progress to the round of sixteen ahead of Sadio Mane's side.
Although, the way they played on the night will give them confidence that they can beat Senegal. Jose Pekerman will, no doubt, want to win the final game in the group to build momentum going into the knockout round. What a finale to Group H is in store for us when the third round of matches come around!
