Tottenham Hotspur’s Davinson Sanchez played the full 90 minutes for Colombia, who bounced back from their opening game defeat to comfortably beat Poland 3-0.
Last week’s result against Japan had put Colombia’s place in the World Cup in doubt, but goals from Yerry Mina, Radamel Falcao and Juan Cuadrado secured Jose Pekerman’s men their first victory of the tournament, condemning Poland to an early exit.
Centre-back Mina put Colombia in front five minutes from half-time when he rose highest to nod home James Rodriguez’s cross.
Poland’s Robert Lewandoski then drew a save from David Ospina before Colombia doubled their advantage with 20 minutes remaining, as Juan Quintero’s through ball released Falcao who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner with the outside of his boot.
Five minutes later and it was three as Rodriguez’s pass split open the Poland defence and released Cuadrado, who raced through and fired past Szczesny to hand Colombia the win.
Sanchez’s side will now be gearing up for a huge match against Senegal in group H on Thursday, with the winners progressing to the knockout stages of the tournament.
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