GROUP H

Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse will leave nothing to chance as he attempts to guide his side into the last 16.

Senegal sit in second place in Group H, level on points, goal difference and goals scored with Japan and a point ahead of today’s opponents Colombia.

Determined to secure victory against the free-flowing South Americans and secure their progression in style, Cisse said: “Colombia have to beat us to make it to the last 16, but we are perfectly capable of defeating Colombia. Our state of mind hasn’t changed: we play one match at a time. The only option is to get into the last 16, and this means that we have to defeat Colombia.”

A 2-1 victory over Poland and an eventful 2-2 draw with the Japanese has left them well poised to progress, although Colombia represent tricky opponents as their 3-0 demolition of the Poles proved.

Cisse said: “I think Colombia and Senegal have the same way of playing. They like commitment, they like high speed, so I think it’s going to be a highly-contested them. “But we need to look at ourselves in terms of our morale and the style of play that has allowed us to be here today.”

Head coach Jose Pekermanadded: “Our morale is high and I think we need to be optimistic.

“Senegal have great players – they practically all play in Europe, so they are used to playing in England, France, in the Spanish league and so forth. They have been successful against Poland and Japan. We hope that dynamic is going to change.”