TEAM NEWS
Colombia’s James Rodriguez could start Sunday’s World Cup Group H match against Poland after coming on as a substitute in the defeat by Japan. Poland forward Dawid Kownacki may start the game after he impressed against Senegal as a second-half substitute.
Centre-back Kamil Glik has returned to full training after shoulder injury but remains a doubt for Sunday’s game. That means Thiago Cionek, his replacement against Senegal, is likely to keep his place.
POLAND LINE UP
1 Wojciech Szczęsny (Goalkeeper)
20 Łukasz Piszczek (Defender)
5 Jan Bednarek (Defender)
2 Michał Pazdan (Defender)
18 Bartosz Bereszyński (Defender)
10 Grzegorz Krychowiak (Midfielder)
6 Jacek Góralski (Midfielder)
13 Maciej Rybus (Defender)
19 Piotr Zieliński (Midfielder)
9 Robert Lewandowski (Forward)
23 Dawid Kownacki (Forward)
COLOMBIA LINE UP
1 David Ospina (Goalkeeper)
4 Santiago Arias (Defender)
13 Yerry Mina (Defender)
23 Davinson Sánchez (Defender)
17 Johan Mojica (Midfielder)
8 Abel Aguilar (Midfielder)
5 Wílmar Barrios (Midfielder)
11 Juan Cuadrado (Midfielder)
20 Juan Quintero (Midfielder)
10 James Rodríguez (Midfielder)
9 Radamel Falcao (Forward)
OVERVIEW
Poland had huge support inside the Spartak Stadium and are the seeded team in Group H – but they were disappointing in all areas during their opening defeat by Senegal.
Leading striker Robert Lewandowski struggled to make his mark during his World Cup debut, and his side must now produce the goods on Sunday.
Their 2-1 defeat came hours after Japan had beaten 10-man Colombia 2-1. Poland have never qualified for the second phase after losing their opening game, and they could face an even bigger challenge should Rodriguez return to Colombia’s starting XI.
Colombia, for their part, played 87 minutes of their opening match with 10 men after Carlos Sanchez was shown the second-fastest World Cup red card in history.
VIEW FROM BOTH CAMPS
Poland assistant coach Hubert Malowiejski: “We are in the same situation. Colombia were considered favourites in our group, but the first game was not good for them.
“But, let’s not forget they played almost the whole game with 10 men. They are very difficult to beat, they have played with more or less the same squad for many years.”
On James Rodriguez: “We know how good James is, but we treat Colombia as a whole team, even if they have such a great player. The key point is not to let him play brilliantly, it is one of the most important tasks for our team.”
Colombia striker Radamel Falcao: “We have two more games ahead and that means we still have the opportunity to progress to the next round. That gives us hope and it is in our own hands on the pitch. This team has shown it is mentally strong.
“It will be like a final. Each team will battle hard to keep the ball, and will close down the space for their opponents to operate in.
“Perhaps we won’t make as many mistakes as we did before, because we all know this is a match that will determine who will continue in the World Cup.”
LAWRO’S PREDICTION
“I thought this game would decide who would win Group H, but now Poland and Colombia face a real scrap to stay in the tournament.
“Poland have to get Robert Lewandowski in the game more than they managed against Senegal, while Colombia need James Rodriguez to be fully fit.
“It is a game neither side can afford to lose, but both need to win. So I am going for a draw.”
Lawro’s prediction: 1-1
