Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Poland and Colombia both got off to the worst possible starts and the two fancied teams from Group H know they need a win to kickstart their tournament. For Poland, they conceded two unfortunate goals in a 2-1 defeat to Senegal but they could have few complaints about the results after a very poor performance. They were slow in possession, struggled to cope with the African side up front and created few chances of their own.
Meanwhile, Colombia approached their game with Japan full of hope and optimism but it had disappeared after just three minutes when Carlos Sanchez conceded a penalty and was sent off. They were spirited in coming back into the game but in the second half they were comprehensively outplayed, despite talisman James Rodriguez coming off the bench.
Here we will give you Poland vs Colombia betting tips, look at where the game will be won, the key players and a Poland vs Colombia prediction for the Group F encounter.
Our Poland vs Colombia Prediction: Poland 1-2 Colombia
Our Poland vs Colombia prediction tips is for the South American side to edge what should be an open, attacking game and one that will appeal to the neutrals.
Poland were surprisingly poor against Japan with Robert Lewandowski unable to get in the game and Grzegorz Krychowiak and Piotr Zieliński unable to control the midfield as you would expect. Defensively, they were a shambles and it’s to be expected with the influential Kamil Glik injured and they need him back against Colombia. They have the names on paper but Poland’s key men are getting on and it showed last time out which is why they could come up short again on Sunday.
Yet, Colombia didn’t comvince themselves and even though he is sure to start, Rodriguez can’t be fully fit after starting the opener from the bench. However, it’s unfair to judge them as they had to play virtually the entire game a man short and that is a major handicap at this level. They will need to cut out the individual errors though, with Davinson Sanchez unusually poor against Japan.
Our recommended tip – BTTS
Whilst we think Colombia will just about get the win, Poland have enough about them to win, so a safer bet would be for both teams to score.
Anyone who watched either side in their first games will realise that they are not great defensively. Both made some basic errors, whilst neither nation sets up to defend and they have a lot of quality in the attacking third. All of that combines to convince us that there will be goals in Kazan.
Previous matches
This will be the sixth meeting between the sides but the first at the World Cup, with Colombia winning three but losing two of the previous five.
Poland won’t be confident heading into this game, with the defeat against Senegal on the back of some fairly unconvincing friendly performances too against some modest opponents. There were few positives to take from the opener, although the energy and determination of sub Dawid Kownacki was a plus and he could start. Otherwise, there seems little else to change so the European nation will need a lot more from their current crop.
Similarly, Colombia struggled in their game but as we’ve stated the circumstances mean fans shouldn’t be too alarmed. However, they too hadn’t convinced heading to Russia but they do have the players to cause an impact as they did in Brazil four years ago.
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Players to watch – Robert Lewandowski & James Rodriguez
Lewandowski has proven himself to be one of the best in Europe for Bayern Munich but he struggled in the opener. Obviously, his quality is undoubted though and he needs more from the players around him. Capable of scoring all types of goals, Poland need a win and they will be looking for their captain to score the crucial goals.
Another Bayern Munich man is the star player for his nation and his absence from the start last time out was a major concern. He makes them tick with his ability on the ball, scores goals and even though there are more experienced players around him, he is the talisman. He may not be 100% match fit, but he will be the man Colombia turn to in what is a huge game.
