Colombia put on a show as they dump Poland out of the World Cup

Colombia bounced back from their disappointing World Cup opener against Japan to breeze past an insipid Poland and place qualification to the Last 16 back in their own hands.

This was, on paper, a match between the 6th and 13th best teams in the world but only one side showed any sign of quality. Colombia, with James Rodriguez and Juan Fernando Quintero pulling the strings behind Radamel Falcao, looked every inch a side desperate to turn their World Cup around.

Contrast that with Poland who appeared more like a heavyweight boxer entering the tenth round, with no gas left in the tank, just looking to hold on for as long as possible. There was no rhythm, no style or threat offered by a team led by Robert Lewandowski. They looked more like the 60th best team in the world than the 6th.

Quintero is having a fantastic tournament so far and everything good which Colombia produced had the fingerprints of the former Porto man all over it. Often questioned for his attitude and workrate in Europe, where he hasn't hit the heights he probably should have, he turns into a different player when representing his country. The kid is only 25 so there’s still time to carve out a fine club career but for now he’ll have to do with being a national hero.

Poland’s containment job was working for most of the first half but without their best centre back on the pitch, the unfit Kamil Glik, it seemed like a dangerous strategy to employ. Yet it was a well worked set piece goal - the theme of this World Cup, alongside penalties - which finally broke them down. Falcao played a corner short to Rodriguez who whipped in a wonderful ball for Barcelona’s Yerry Mina to power home. Cue the dancing.

It took an hour for Poland to get a shot on target. It came from Lewandowski but he, like Poland, was largely anonymous.

Quintero was still the main dangerman and it was his pass which put Falcao through on goal. Almost instinctively ‘El Tigre’ hit the ball with the outside of boot and it rolled into the far corner. Colombia were in dreamland while Poland stood, hands on their hips, wondering what time the next flight out of Russia is.

Let’s not forget that it was at the last World Cup where James Rodriguez stood out and was subsequently bought by Real Madrid. Poland loosely gave the ball away in Colombia’s half and James took his time, waited for Juan Cuadrado to make his move and threaded across an exquisite through ball for the Juventus man to run on to. He made no mistake. That was it. Game, set and match.

Colombia now go into their final group match against Senegal knowing that qualification is in their hands once again. A victory over Sadio Mane and company would see them finish at least second in the group, potentially first. Although having seen this sorry display from Poland, I wouldn’t be expecting any favours from them against Japan.