POLES IN A HOLE
Lewandowski booed as Colombia triumph
THIS may seem harsh but on the evidence of this night potential suitors for Robert Lewandowski should forget about him.
The Bayern Munich striker, who smashed in a record 16 goals in Poland’s World Cup qualifying campaign, and has 21 goals in his last 17 internationals, was as abject as everyone else in a Poland team which surrendered timidly and thus exited the competition in the group stages yet again.
Lewandowski, who appeared bereft of desire and confidence, was booed by his own fans for much of a contest which became one-sided from the 40th minute when Colombian centre back Yerry Mina headed home after a perfectly executed free-kick.
If Chelsea and Real Madrid are genuinely interested in signing Lewandowski they would need to see evidence of greater hunger than was on display in Kazan.
By contrast, James Rodriguez, the World Cup’s top scorer in Brazil four years ago, returned from a thigh strain to mesmerise Poland, along with the sublime skills of Juan Quintero and Juan Cuadrado, who thrilled the astonishing 30,000 Colombians who have been saving up to make the trek from South America for four years.
Quintero, the first Colombian to score in two World Cups, sliced Poland open repeatedly, and after the talented trio had contrived Mina’s free header, Quintero was at it again to free the forgotten man of Colombian football, Radamel Falcao, for an imperious finish.
It was Falcao’s first ever goal at a World Cup finals after missing Brazil 2014 through injury, and his joyful celebration was all the more understandable.
Poland were wilting fast and five minutes later they were cut to ribbons again after allowing Cuadrado a free run through the centre and another crisp finish to spark unadulterated joy among the yellow shirts. The two observers with the most distinctive hairstyles of an entire nation — Carlos Valderrama and Rene Higuita — were hugging one another in the VIP area.
It seems a long time ago since they were entering football folklore at Italia ‘90, but nowadays Colombia has suitable idols to worship with equal fervour. For all they won so handsomely Colombia are not yet out of the woods. They go to Samara on Thursday to face a Senegal side that has impressed in its two performances so far and may just be the best of the African contenders.
For Poland the dream is over. Lewandowski must hope his personal dreams are more fruitful POLAND (3-4-3): Szczesny 6; Piszczek 5, Bednarek 5, Pazdan 6; Bereszynski (Teodorzyk 5), Krychowiak 6, Goralski 5, Rybus 6; Zielinski 7, Lewandowski 5, Kownacki 5 (Grosicki 5). Booked: Bednarek, Goralski Manager: Adam Nawałka 5. COLOMBIA (4-2-3-1): Ospina 6; Aris 6, Mina 7, Sanchez 6, Mojica 6; Aguilar 5 (Uribe 7), Barrios 7; Juan Cuadrado 8, RODRIGUEZ 9, Quintero 8 (Lerma 6); Falcao 7. Booked: None. Scorers: Mina (40), Falcao (70), Juan Cuadrado (75). Manager: Jose Pekerman 8. Referee: Cesar Arturo Ramos (Mexico) 7. Attendance: 42,873.