Poland ColombiaGetty

Poland v Colombia: A World Cup epic in the making

The first ever competitive meeting between Poland and Colombia is set to be a cracking encounter as both look to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Both fell to surprise 2-1 upsets against Senegal and Japan respectively in their opening group games and nothing less than a win will do for two sides who will have expected to reach the knockout stages in Russia.

With it all to play for, goals seem like a certainty and history suggests we'll be in for a few.

Not only have Colombia never had a goalless World Cup game, but Poland have failed to keep a clean sheet in their past nine matches at the tournament.

While defensively frail on the big stage, Poland do boast one of the best strikers in the world at the moment in Robert Lewandowski.

The Bayern Munich front man has scored 21 goals in his last 16 outings for his country and arrives in Russia after a fine club season which saw him score 29 Bundesliga goals and seal the league's golden boot in the process.

Poland Colombia

For Colombia, an experienced Radamel Falcao leads their line - another striker full of confidence after netting 18 league goals for Monaco this past season.

Juan Quintero became the first Colombian player to score in two different World Cups with his effort against Japan but could be replaced by James Rodriguez in an attacking midfield role.

While a first start in Russia looms for Rodriguez, fellow midfielder Carlos Sanchez will be absent after collecting an early red card last time out to become the first Colombian to see red at a World Cup.

Both these sides have talent across the pitch but after falling at the first hurdle in Russia must quickly find their feet if they want to keep their World Cup campaigns alive. 

Article promoted in partnership with bet365. For most up to date odds, go to bet365.com.au.

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