WORLD CUP 2018, GROUP G: COLOMBIA EDGE CLOSER TO POSSIBLE ROUND OF 16 BERTH

Juan Cuadrado celebrates his goal as Poland look crestfallen. (c) Photo: AP/Frank Augstein

Colombia won pretty convincingly against a sorry Poland side, who got the boot out of Putin’s land tonight. Radamel Falcao's 30th international goal putting Carlos Valderrama's kids on the verge of qualification. A win for them next game, could be all they require (given Japan falter v Poland).

Neither side wanted a draw, knowing that anything other than a win would signal the end of the dream. Colombia started the game brightly, with Juan Cuadrado, Juan Quintero, James Rodriguez troubling the Polish defence. Robert Lewandowski, though virtually a passenger. A barren run for the Bayern Munich hitman. The opening goal came just on the 40’ minute mark, with towering centre back Yerry Mina heading James’ centre. Soon after came the first half whistle. 1-0 to Jose Peckerman’s men.

Second half resumed, with the ebb and flow of the game still conducted by the South Americans: although they were wasteful in front of goal for most of the second half. They were almost punished. Robert Lewandowski latched on brilliantly to a raking pass from defence, and was foiled brilliantly by Arsenal goalie David Ospina. And the clincher came soon after. Juan Quintero played in Radamel Falcao, who stylishly placed his effort under an onrushing Wojciech Szcezsny. 2-0. First World Cup Goal for El Tigrè. The third goal followed almost immediately, with Man of the match Juan Cuadrado curling his effort past the goalkeeper. James Rodriguez with another assist. He’s not on my fantasy team 🤦🏽‍♂️. I have Isco instead.

Game ended 3-0, with the Polska side looking crestfallen, bewildered, and bothered. Flight home couldn’t be nearer.

So hey, Colombia v Senegal would be a cracker. Japan needing to get past an already sent-home Pole side. Time for prayers, folks. Please post comments below as you desire. Thank you :) .

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