Colombia dedicate win to embattled Sanchez

kazan arena — Colombia coach Jose Pekerman dedicated a crucial 3-0 World Cup win over Poland to midfielder Carlos Sanchez on Sunday after reports the midfielder received death threats for his red card against Japan.

Sanchez was suspended for the game at Kazan Arena as Colombia got back in contention for a place in the last 16 and Poland were eliminated, and has had “a very hard time” dealing with the fallout from his third-minute sending-off in the 2-1 defeat to Japan, Pekerman said.

The Espanyol midfielder will be eligible to return to Pekerman’s side for the make-or-break last Group H clash with Senegal on Thursday.

Pekerman said he spoke for the whole squad when he dedicated Colombia’s victory to the 32-yearold player. “This victory is dedicated to Carlos Sanchez, because he’s had a very hard time in the past days. I want, and we want, to share it with him,” he said.

“I’m saying this personally, but this is something that is felt throughout the squad.”

Although Pekerman refused to confirm the reports, he came close.

It evoked memories of the chilling murder of former Colombia player Andres Escobar, who was killed after his own goal led to defeat to the United States in the 1994 World Cup and Colombia’s elimination from the tournament.

Pekerman added: “We received certain information, but I can’t confirm anything. The player was deeply affected by this matter.