Poland’s world cup dream is over after being on the receiving end of a 3-0 thrashing from Colombia.
Final score
Poland 0
Colombia 3
Poland and Colombia both have a point to prove after disappointing results in the first games at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Join The Roar for live scores from the match and a live blog of the game at Kazan Arena early on Monday morning, starting from 4am AEST.
Before the world cup began Poland and Colombia would have been seen as the two sides most likely to progress out of Group H into the Round of 16, but just one match in for both sides, both are at risk of missing out.
Disaster struck both nations in the first round.
World No.8 Poland found themselves upset by World No.27 Senegal, with an own goal by Thiao Cionek – followed by Senegal scoring through M’Baye Niang – proving to be their downfall in a 2-1 loss.
On the same day, World No.16 Colombia were unable to account for World No.61 Japan, also happening to cop a 2-1 scoreline that left them without any points from the match.
As a result Poland and Colombia suddenly find themselves on the outer while lower-ranked group members Senegal and Japan will do battle earlier today with a spot in the knockout stage on the line.
If one of those nations is able to get a win, then they’ll go straight through, leaving only one spot left in Group H – which makes the result of this match crucial.
Whoever wins this one will have a solid chance of progressing through to the groups stage, but for the loser it will be tournament over.
If both Group H matches proved to be a tie then Poland and Colombia could theoretically both still make it through with strong performances in the third round.
Prediction
These two nations are very hard to separate – a draw looks likely.
1-all draw.
Join The Roar for live scores from the match and a live blog of the game between Poland and Colombia in the groups stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup at Kazan Arena early on Monday morning, starting from 4am AEST.
Curtis Figon
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME COLOMBIA 3-0 POLAND Colombia keep their World Cup hopes alive. The final round of group matches are going to be highly intensified. After a disappointing opening loss to Japan the South American's have their Cup campaign rolling and are only one point behind the Blue Samurai and Senegal. It was a dominant display from the Colombians in what was one of the best performances in the Cup so far. When their hopes were on the line and threatened to be dashed they delivered and rose to the occasion. For Poland, well this promising generation of players has to succumb to a crushing disappointment. A loss to Senegal and now this result against Colombia has ended their Cup with a game to play. Robert Lewandowski was completely nullified and Colombia shut down every Polish player on the pitch in a display of ironman like fitness. In their first World Cup since 2006 Poland have failed to deliver on the grandest stage of football. Goalscorers: Yerry Mina 40' Radamel Falcao 70' Juan Cuadrado 75' Friday 12am Senegal v Colombia Japan v Poland 1st) Japan 4 2nd) Senegal 4 3rd) Colombia 3 4th) Poland 0
Curtis Figon
Roar Guru
90' Five minutes of stoppage time.
Curtis Figon
Roar Guru
A lot of disappointment from the Polish. Pundits and fans expected a lot more from this side and they've looked like a shadow of what they were like throughout qualification.
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Roar Guru
88' Lewandowski drills a long-range shot that troubles Ospina.
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Roar Guru
84' Yellow card for Jacek Goralski for a tough foul on James Rodriguez.
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Roar Guru
A lot will be questioned about Adam Nawalka's gamble today with the number of changes he made in this important clash. He has been the manager for five years and has a terrific record but it has all backfired at the most important time.
Curtis Figon
Roar Guru
For the third time tonight David Ospina has needed assistance from the Colombian medical staff. He did ask to be substituted but it seems like he'll stay on.
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Roar Guru
80' Poland substitution: On: Kamil Glik Off: Michal Pazdan Speaking of the devil... though it is very late for this. Though it is a World Cup debut for the defender who is one of Poland's best and has been battling a shoulder injury.
Curtis Figon
Roar Guru
Poland has conceded five times in two games. They're sorely missing Kamil Glik.
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Roar Guru
76' Colombia substitution: On: Carlos Bacca Off: Radamel Falcao
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75' COLOMBIA 3-0 POLAND GOAL!!! Juan Cuadrado calmly slides the ball into the right corner after a 40m run through on goal with no defender in sight. It was a brilliant assist from James Rodriguez who caught the Polish defense napping.
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Roar Guru
72' Poland substitution: On: Lukasz Teodorczyk Off: Bartosz Bereszynski Colombia: On: Jefferson Lerma Off: Juan Quintero
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69' COLOMBIA 2-0 POLAND GOAL!!! Radamel Falcao scores his 30th goal for his country. The captain slides the ball into the left corner after a brilliant defense-splitting past from Juan Quintero who earns his second assist of the night. Surely it's game, set and match for Poland's World Cup.
Curtis Figon
Roar Guru
68' Lewandowski has been going through the wars tonight. He just sandwiched by two Colombian defenders. The major difference between this and Neymar v Switzerland is that most of the challenges tonight have been clean by Colombia, and that deserves credit.
Curtis Figon
Roar Guru
63' Lewandowski is looking frustrated. Poland can't get into the match and he hasn't had much room to breathe. Colombia have just covered every blade of grass tonight.
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Roar Guru
60' Poland are trying to control possession but Colombia's defense is too strong. A potential counter-attack is thwarted by Bednarek who fouled Uribe and receives a yellow card.
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57' Lewandowski is finally making an impact on the game, forcing Ospina into a scramble to block the striker's attempt. He is Poland's greatest hope at the moment.
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56' Poland substitution On: Kamil Grosicki Off: Dawid Kownacki
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55' A great attacking opportunity off the transition sees Quintero's effort deflected for a corner. If Colombia extend their lead I'm struggling to see Poland claw their way back.
Curtis Figon
Roar Guru
51' Colombia are still looking dangerous on the counter but they are struggling with the final option. Cuadrado squandered a good opportunity there, delaying a cross that would've surely been at least a threatening shot by Rodriguez.