Ramadel Falcao’s first ever goal in a World Cup helped Colombia to an impressive 3-0 win, knocking Group H rivals Poland out of the tournament.
Although Colombia dominated the opening half of the game, they didn’t give their huge South American following anything to shout about until five minutes before the break when Yerry Mina’s header found the back of the net.
Poland would have had a sense of disappointment regarding their defending for the opener. James Rodriguez was allowed the time and space to play a short corner and deliver an inch-perfect ball into Mina. All was done with no real pressure on them by the Polish defenders.
Poland’s first goalscoring chance came in the 61st minute as skipper Robert Lewandowksi was put in through on goal, however, a brave save by David Ospina ensured his side stayed in front.
Nine minutes later, it was Colombia who added a second. A perfect ball from Juan Quintero found Falcao who finished expertly with the outside of his foot.
Five minutes later, Juan Cuadrado settled the game after Rodriguez got his second assist of the evening. This time, a sweeping ball from the left found his alternative winger who could finish with confidence past Wojciech Szczesny.
Here are our player ratings from Colombia’s comprehensive win.
David Ospina- 8
Was quick off his line to close down Robert Lewandowski and make a brave save at 2-0. Was equal to Lewandowski’s second effort with a few minutes left.
Johan Mojica- 7
Showed composure under pressure at the back. Grew into the game within the second half and was positive going forward throughout the game.
Yerry Mina- 8
Took his goal very well, getting away from defenders and striding in before Szczesny could claim the cross. Was influential along with Sanchez at keeping Lewandowski quiet.
Davinson Sanchez- 7
Dealt with Lewandowski well throughout the game. Led the defence well.
Santiago Arias- 7
Had an impressive defensive performance and didn’t allow Poland’s attackers a lot of space. Didn’t offer much offensively.
Mateus Uribe- 7
Came on 30 minutes in for the injured Abel Aguilar. Went about his business quietly, making a few vital challenges to relieve pressure for Colombia.
Wilmar Barrios- 7
Never stopped running and seemed to cut out any Polish attack in the centre of midfield. Received a yellow card with 20 minutes to go.
Juan Cuadrado- 8
Looked to aimlessly get the ball into the box into Falcao throughout the game. However, was lively and showed off his pace against Rybus on a number of occasions. Took the third goal fantastically well.
James Rodriguez- 9
No wonder Colombia missed him so much against Japan. Controlled the midfield throughout the game and produced two fantastic assists. Worked well with Quintero.
Juan Quintero- 9
Was constantly looking to get the ball forward for Colombia. He produced technical quality for the first goal and showed his class for the second before expertly setting up Falcao for the third. Colombia’s star man.
Radamel Falcao-8
Looked positive and comfortable with the ball at his feet. Held the ball up well and worked well with fellow attackers. Took his goal fantastically with a world-class run to match.
Wojciech Szczesny- 4
Made a few misplaced passes which put the back line under pressure. Sold himself short for the opening goal and misread the cross, letting Mina stride in to claim the header. Not a lot he could do about the other two.
Lukasz Piszczek- 3
Didnt seem to deal with Colombia’s trio of Quintero, Rodriguez, and Cuadrado throughout the game. Looked slow.
Jan Bednarek-3
Was most at fault for Mina’s opener as he let him run in behind him for a free header. Yellow carded in the 60th minute for a silly challenge on Falcao.
Michal Pazdan-3
Was lucky not to be carded in the 24th minute for a bad challenge on Rodriguez. He too looked slow in comparison to Colombia’s attacking trio.
Bartosz Bereszynski- 3
Didn’t seem to feature in the game very much. Never looked to get forward until his side were 2-0 down.
Grzegorz Krychowiak- 4
Looked reckless for the second game running. Conceded a few fouls and played aimless balls to empty space.
Jacek Goralski- 4
A lot of passing seemed rushed and hit forward with no intention. Gave Colombia the ball back on numerous occasions. Booked in the 84th minute.
Maciej Rybus-5
Looked keen to get forward until he realised how attacking Cuadrado was playing. Was at fault defensively for the third goal, letting Cuadrado free on the right-hand side.
Dawid Kownacki- 3
Failed to impress at all for Poland on the wing and was subbed off ten minutes into the second half.
Piotr Zielinski- 3
Didn’t impress at all for Poland. Was poor and never supported Lewandowski.
Robert Lewandowski- 5
Was supplied with no service once again but did look better than he did against Senegal. Lacked support when he got into good positions but ultimately didn’t take his chance in the 58th minute which could have changed the game.