Colombia and Poland Could Put On A Show In Must-Win Game

Poland vs. Colombia, 2 p.m. ET, FOX

• Poland +230
• Colombia +128
• Draw +235

Bet to Watch:

Over 2.25 goals* -120

James Rodriguez's injury — which cost him the chance to start against Japan last week — put a cloud on the festivities for the Colombians in their opening match. That cloud turned into a monsoon just three minutes into the game when Carlos Sanchez received a red card for a hand ball on what likely was going to be a goal anyway. Japan converted the ensuing penalty kick, and Los Cafeteros were down, 1-0, just six minutes into the game.

The South Americans fought back into the game and got an equalizer from a Juan Quintero free kick, but they were unable to hold onto the draw after some dodgy managerial decisions from Jose Pekerman. He made substitutions that prevented Colombia from having the legs and personnel to maintain the draw as his subs indicated he was trying to steal the win. Considering the circumstances, that was ill-advised.

Poland, on the other hand, were overwhelmed by Senegal in their opening match. Their lack of pace was exploited by the African side in counter-attacking situations after they went down, 1-0, in the 37th minute. For the rest of the game Senegal was able to sit back and counter, and the Orly were not able to match their speed down the flanks. Poland's lack of pace could be a big issue in this matchup, as well.

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Colombia will come into this match with their star players relatively fresh. Due to the red card, Juan Cuadrado was subbed out early in the first half and Rodriguez played only 30 minutes. He should benefit from Poland's lack of agility as his game is built to give the slow-footed Polish defenders fits. And Cuadrado, who was one of the most fouled players in qualification, should draw a few set pieces in dangerous areas.

As we've seen already, teams with quality who are in desperate need of a win in their second match are pushing the tempo, and that is opening up the game. That trend should continue in this one, and I expect the scoring chances to come in bunches at both ends. And with the quality that both teams have in the box with Radamel Falcao and Robert Lewandowski, you should expect this game to see both teams throw everything they have into getting a win, and thus, I expect a few goals in this one.