Job not done yet: Colombia coach
KAZAN : Colombia coach Jose Pekerman quickly put a lid on the euphoria surrounding the win over Poland on Sunday, warning that they still have plenty of work to do to get into the knockout stages of the World Cup.
It was a warning that understandably went unheeded by thousands of South Americans on the streets of Kazan in the early hours of Monday as they celebrated an emphatic 3-0 victory that breathed new life into their campaign.
After losing to Japan in their opener, however, Colombia are only third in Group H and require a win over Senegal in Samara on Thursday to guarantee them one of the top two spots.
“We are not qualified right now,” Pekerman told reporters. “We are out of the competition right now, we need to play at an extraordinary level to beat an extremely tough team, a team that is on the up and up, getting better.
“We’re talking about a strong side with excellent players and we’re going to have to be extremely strong to beat them.”
It was not just the margin of victory over a disappointing Poland side at the Kazan Arena that had the Colombian supporters excited, but the manner of it.
The midfield trio of James Rodriguez, Juan Quintero and Juan Cuadrado orchestrated a performance of real brio that revived
memories of Colombia’s charge to the quarter-finals at the last World Cup.
“From beginning to end, we stayed true to our style,” Pekerman added. “We were playing under the pressure of having to win and there could be no mistakes
(but) as time went by we managed to impose this quality, this type of football that we have.
“Keeping the ball on the ground and not in the air, circulating the ball smoothly, having players exchange moves quickly. The team played as a unit ... and
the football emerged from this unity. We are going to go forward with faith.”
Having come through the test of their resolve against Poland, the wily Argentine was convinced his players would not fall victim to complacency. Six goals in a World Cup game could mean either of the two things: the team was like a rock band whose members are at the top of their game or the opponents were some rag-tag bunch who just didn’t turn up. With England, I think it was more a case of the latter.
Of course, this was a great result for a young team; one that had, for a change, come to Russia without great expectations that apparently hobbled its predecessors. The team did its bit for the record books and Harry Kane joined an illustrious English hattrick club that also has Geoff Hurst and Gary Lineker as members.
Everything that had to go right for England against Panama did. The rankings may tell a different tale but Panama have looked the weakest among the 32 teams.
England could not have asked for a better start because an early goal always helps you settle down. You feel completely different from when you started the game. Then, Jesse Lingard’s goal was top-drawer and England did really well in dead- ball situations to notch up a comprehensive win. En route, Kane gave himself a great chance to win the Golden Boot. Whichever way they come, goals are goals and no striker will complain. I know that feeling.
With both teams likely to rest a few regulars, Belgium may not provide England a stern test. The earliest that could happen is in the pre-quarter finals where one from Japan, Senegal and Colombia could lie in wait.
So, even after two convincing wins, I would hold my judgement