Colombia heads into its World Cup clash against Poland in Group H on Sunday under pressure to get a result and with its preparations overshadowed by a police investigation into death threats made to midfielder Carlos Sanchez.
In a grisly echo of the killing of Andres Escobar, who was gunned down after scoring an own goal for Colombia at the 1994 World Cup, Sanchez received threats on social media after receiving a red card in the third minute of Tuesday’s 2-1 loss against Japan.
Sanchez was sent off for a deliberate handball after trying to block a shot in the area and will miss the Poland match in Kazan on Sunday.
The Jose Pekerman-coached team closed ranks on Friday, undertaking a private training session at its ski resort base outside of Kazan and declining to comment on the Colombian police probe and its preparations for Poland, which was upset 1-0 by Senegal in their opener.
Queries remain over the fitness of talisman James Rodriguez, who was used as a 59th-minute substitute against Japan as he recovers from a calf problem.
Argentine Pekerman would prize dearly the option of starting the Golden Boot winner at the 2014 Brazil finals against eighth-ranked Poland, and alongside midfield partner Juan Quintero.
Sanchez’s absence may open the door for Mateus Uribe to slot into midfield next to Jefferson Lerma.
After a stunning loss to Senegal, courtesy of a pair of howling errors, Poland might console itself that it can only get better.
The staff have promised changes for a team that has the ability to both score and concede lots of goals.
With Senegal’s well-drilled backline keeping Robert Lewandowski subdued, manager Adam Nawalka will hope for more midfield drive to boost supply to the country’s record goal-scorer.
Glik boost for Poland
The recall of defensive stalwart Kamil Glik, who missed the Senegal opener with a shoulder injury, would be a huge boost for Poland’s hopes of stopping the likes of Rodriguez and front man Radamel Falcao.
Poland, which has never reached the knockout rounds of a World Cup after losing its opening game, will need to shore up its defence in its first competitive match against Colombia if it is to defy its history.
“It will be like a final,” said Colombia striker Falcao.
“Each team will battle hard to keep the ball, and will close down the space for their opponents to operate in.”