Group H Review:

Group H:

Final Table:

Colombia 6 pts
Japan 4 pts (FPR)
Senegal 4 pts (FPR)
Poland 3 pts

Matchday 3 results: Colombia 1-0 Senegal, Poland 1-0 Japan

In an extremely controversial group, Japan progressed to the knockout stage over Senegal due to the fair play rule while Colombia won their last two matches and finished in first.

Biggest Surprise: Japan Progressing

Japan progressing has to be the biggest surprise of this group. They were the last team anyone thought that would be going through but here we are. Overall though you can make an argument that they completely deserve it. They played very fluid and forward thinking football and showed no fear. Although they got through due to how many yellow cards they accumulated it still shouldn't take to much away from their impressive progression.

Biggest Disappointment: Poland

Poland have been disappointing for years and this year was no different. They were in all honesty horrible. They seemed to have one tactic and didn't shift away from it once. Their long balls to star forward Robert Lewandowski failed to work on any occasion. Though a lot of blame will go on Lewa, the manager must take responsibility and take the blame. He failed to acknowledge his team's shortcomings and didn't have any other tactic to turn to besides just asking Lewandowski to carry them. To be honest, it was a pretty embarrassing performance.

Best Player: Juan Quintero

Quintero was a magician all group stage scoring one and assisting another. His free kick against Japan gave Colombia hope but unfortunately wasn't enough. But his performance against Poland was the performance of a star. For the entire first half, he seemed like their only chance of cracking Poland's defense. He was playing the way talisman James Rodriguez should've been playing. He was picking out passes that I don't even think people who were watching on tv could pick out. I would not be surprised if a lot of big European clubs would be pushing for his signature this summer.

Best Match: Colombia vs. Poland 3-0

This match wasn't exactly picked for its competitiveness but for the atmosphere and beautiful football that the Colombians played. They were mercurial and played the type of football that they played back in 2014 which was refreshing after their performance against Japan. They were so fluid and were basically putting a butter knife through the entire Polish defense every time they went forward. It was a beautiful sight to behold.


Best Goal: Cuadrado 3-0 Poland

The third goal by Juan Cuadrado showed the potential of this Colombia team. James Rodriguez picked up the ball on the left flank surrounded by two Polish defenders. Then he picked out one of the best passes of recent time. He curved the ball so it would go perfectly in stride with the steaming Cuadrado, who made a storming run from the right through the middle. The ball landed at his feet, and he made no mistake slotting it past Szczesny. It just sent a message to the rest of the field about how good this Colombia team can be.