Match Previews

Impressed in big win vs. Poland, but remain in difficult situation and only another win now can qualify them for the knockouts. C. M. Sanchez returns from ban. The main left-back F. Fabra sidelined. A. Aguilar also out after last game. D. Ospina passed late fitness test.

Colombia showed their true colours when facing Poland in round 2, with their front four ripping the Polish defence apart and delivering an utterly deserved 3:0 win. Rodriguez provided two assists, Falcao scored his first World Cup goal and in general some of the combinations Los Cafeteros offered were a delight to watch.

Colombia still need another win to make it through to the last 16, a draw won’t be enough, with Los Cafeteros entering this game in solid form at both ends of the pitch. The Colombians kept 4 clean sheets in their last 6 matches, this includes 4 friendlies, while their forwards scored 3 goals or more in 3 of these fixtures.

Coach Pekerman trusted the little Quintero in the number ten role for the second game in a row after he impressed vs. Japan and another scintillating performance most likely will see him starting as the main playmaker again. In this case James Rodriguez will operate down the left flank.

Aguilar suffered serious injury against Poland and he is unavailable, but the returning after a ban Sanchez has a point to prove and he is eager to shine after playing just 3 minutes in this World Cup so far.

Fabra misses the tournament after knee surgery, while the main goalkeeper Ospina picked up an ankle problem late in the last game, but he will take part despite not being 100% fit.

Colombia lost their first ever clash against an African team back in 1990, when Cameroon edged them in the round of 16, but their other two clashes vs. African oppositions brought Los Cafeteros narrow wins – 1:0 over Tunisia in 1998 and 2:1 vs. Ivory Coast in 2014.