Poland vs Colombia. FIFA World Cup Group H.
Kazan ArenaAttendance42,873.
Sunday 24 June 2018 18:28, UK
Group favourites Poland and Colombia meet in a must-win game to keep alive a strong chance of reaching the World Cup last 16.
Colombia suffered a 2-1 defeat to Japan with Yuya Osako scoring a 73rd-minute winner in their opening match.
Former Chelsea and Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao admits Colombia are already reaching an all-or-nothing situation in just their second game of the tournament.
"We are in a situation in which we are forced to win. And we must do everything possible to win," Falcao said at Colombia's training base in Sviyazhsk just outside Kazan.
"We are now facing two teams who need to win, so for us these games will be like finals. It's them or us. We've already put the Japan match behind us.
"The simple fact we're still in contention at the World Cup gives us the emotional drive we need for these two games we have remaining."
Poland lost to 2-1 to Senegal in their opener, with Grzegorz Krychowiak scoring a late header from a free-kick.
"We know very well what is this game about, but we are optimists," said Poland defender Bartosz Bereszynski. "One thing I am sure about is that we will not lack heart on Sunday."
Over the past four World Cups, only four of 46 teams to lose their first game have qualified for the last 16 - but victory for either of these two in Kazan on Sunday will certainly reignite their tournaments.
It is the first competitive meeting between Colombia and Poland, but against European opposition the South Americans have endured a difficult recent history, losing five and drawing two of their last nine at World Cups.
Kamil Glik may present a welcome return for Poland at the heart of defence, having missed out on the defeat to Senegal with a sprained shoulder.
There are no new injury concerns for Colombia, who could hand James Rodriguez a first start of the tournament after he came off the bench against Japan last time out.
How much would you pay for Robert Lewandowski after his performance against Senegal? Not much. He was unbelievably bad. I wasn't impressed with Poland in their opener. Colombia will be a different proposition with 11 men on the pitch, they'll bounce back.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
Colombia are Sky Bet favourites at 23/20 to beat Poland, who themselves are priced at 12/5 for the win, with the draw coming at 5/2. Robert Lewandowski is 7/2 to open the scoring, tied with Radamel Falcao is tied at 7/2 favourites to break the deadlock. Colombia are 66/1 to win the World Cup with Poland priced at 150/1.