Poland and Colombia on the brink of shock exit and other talking points heading into World Cup showdown

Aditya Devavrat 21:48 23/06/2018
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  • Club teammates James Rodriguez and Robert Lewandowski will face off at the World Cup.

    Colombia and Poland head into their crunch Group H clash at the World Cup on Sunday having both lost their opening games of the tournament.

    Their identical 2-1 losses to Japan and Senegal respectively means one of these two sides could be knocked out depending on Sunday’s result; neither can afford a loss.

    Here are three talking points ahead of the game.

    GROUP FAVOURITES FACING EARLY EXIT

    When the draw was made for this group, everyone expected Colombia and Poland to get through to the knockout stages. The match between the two was thought to be the one that would determine who won the group.

    Yet both lost their opening games, and now face each other with their World Cup campaigns on the line. If Japan-Senegal ends in a draw in the earlier  game of the day, then a loss here will be fatal to the defeated side’s hopes of qualifying for the round of 16.

    A draw may actually suit both sides, even if it leaves them both with only a point apiece heading into their final games. That would likely mean a win in their respective last games would be enough to qualify, although goal difference may come into play and still eliminate one or both of them.

    It’s unlikely that either manager is setting his side out for anything less than a win, especially as Senegal and Japan have proven they will not be easy games for the two more fancied sides. But both Colombia and Poland will likely take the scenario of knowing a win in their final game all but guarantees qualification.

    Poland are in a tough spot in the group, as are Colombia.

    Poland are in a tough spot in the group, as are Colombia.

    PLENTY OF POSITIVES FOR COLOMBIA

    Colombia bossed the first half of their game against Japan despite being a man down after Carlos Sanchez’s early red card. Although they ultimately ended up losing, there were plenty of positives to take from the display, and they’re likely going into this game with more confidence than their opponents.

    They should also be buoyed by the probable return to full fitness of talisman James Rodriguez, who was only selected as a substitute in the previous game due to an injury.

    He’ll likely come in for Jose Izquierdo, and an attack of Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado, and their goalscoring hero from the first game, Juan Quintero, playing in support of Radamel Falcao certainly looks formidable.

    James will be able to do what his fellow playmakers weren’t quite against Japan – get the best out of Falcao. The forward endured a tough game in the opener, displaying trademark work ethic and keeping the Japanese defence honest but never quite sparking into life.

    On the other hand, Poland have less to be positive about reflecting upon their opening game. They struggled to break Senegal down and were porous defensively. They have to do much more to improve than their opponents.

    Colombia could take the positives from their opening game.

    Colombia could take the positives from their opening game.

    LEWANDOWSKI NEEDS TO STEP UP

    Robert Lewandowski was the top scorer in European qualifying for the World Cup. But he was marshalled well by Senegal’s defence in Poland’s first game, and failed to find a genuine chance on goal.

    But given his status as Poland’s best player and captain, he has to do more. He does thrive best on good service, but this is a striker capable of creating chances for himself, or at the very least unleashing some fierce long-range strikes.

    But none of those qualities were on show against Senegal, bar the wonderful save he brought out of Senegal stopper Khadim N’Diaye from a free-kick early in the second half. If he has another game like that against Colombia, Poland can say good-bye to their chances of progressing further in Russia.

    Colombia’s defence will be no different to Senegal’s. Davinson Sanchez had a shaky game against Japan, but emerged with some credit, while Oscar Murillo was a towering presence at the back. The challenge of dealing with Lewandowski is one both will relish.

    Lewandowski can have an inspirational effect on the rest of his side, but not if he can’t improve on his performance from Poland’s opener. The Bayern Munich striker will need to rise to the occasion. His team need him to, desperately.

    Robert Lewandowski couldn't hit the heights for Poland into their opener.

    Robert Lewandowski couldn’t hit the heights for Poland into their opener.

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