Colombia topped their group and qualified for the knockout stages thanks to a 1 – 0 win over Senegal on Thursday.
On paper it looked as if Colombia VS Senegal would be a goal fest. Both teams had something to play for in topping the group. As well as that, they are two attacking teams with plenty of goalscoring talent.
However, the match didn’t play out that way. Colombia’s attacking foursome of James Rodriguez, Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado and Juan Quintero was broken up early in the game.
Rodriguez, who has been struggling for fitness throughout the tournament, had to be withdrawn in the 31st minute. He went straight down the tunnel following his substitution, indicating that he knows the injury was bad. He was replaced by Luis Muriel.
As has been the case with many of the final group stage games, the match lacked quality and sharpness.
Read: Brazil Looking Good Heading Into the Knockout Stages
Radamel Falcao has drawn praise for his performances so far, having missed the last World Cup through injury. However, his performance was similar to that when Colombia faced Japan with ten men. Falcao cut an isolated and frustrated figure up front without James Rodriguez to orchestrate the attack.
Many games in this World Cup have needed a wonder strike or a set-piece goal to open the scoring. It was no different on Thursday, and Colombia got their goal in the 74th minute.
Yerry Mina headed the ball into the ground and past the keeper from a corner. Suddenly, Senegal needed a goal to secure qualification.
Colombia saw the game out, though. Sadio Mane huffed and puffed in his last chance to impress at the tournament, but couldn’t produce.
The result means that Colombia play England in the Round of 16. Paddy Power have Colombia at 3/1 to win while a draw is 9/4. England are evens to beat the Colombians and progress to the quarter finals.
