Five things we learned: Poland 0-3 Colombia
James Rodriguez is still Colombia's architect, Poland had no urgency and Falcao has arrived. Five things we learned from Colombia's win over Poland.
JAMES THE ARCHITECT
Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez was left out of his nation's starting lineup for the first match against Japan, and it showed.
Without him they were far more predictable and lacked a star quality in the final third, and he couldn't do much after coming on as sub, not at full fitness and with his side down to 10 men.
Against Poland it was a different matter: in from the start, the central point for many attacks and the man with the real vision and quality on the ball to open up defences.
More than once he managed to link with his fellow attackers in impressive style, and it was the No. 10 who delivered the all-important cross for Yerry Mina's headed opening goal.
James continued to dominate in the second half and his assist for Juan Cuadrado was nothing short of excellent.
POLAND'S TACTICS OUT THE WINDOW
A pre-tournament training camp, a qualification campaign in settled tactical fashion...and then it was all out the window after just 90 minutes in Russia.
Poland changed entirely for this second fixture, switching to a back three system and making a host of personnel alterations to the starting XI.
It made very little difference: Robert Lewandowski still didn't receive much support, Poland as a midfield unit still created nothing in the final third and they were far from solid at the back.
FALCAO JOINS THE WORLD CUP PARTY
He's enjoyed a great time at club level with Monaco over the last year, but Colombia striker Radamel Falcao hadn't really arrived at the World Cup until this game.
A first-ever goal at the finals came to put Colombia two goals clear and the importance of having him firing cannot be underestimated.
His touch and shooting had been a little wayward up to that point - but he made no mistake when presented with his big opportunity.
POLAND LACKED URGENCY OR ATTACKING INSTINCT
A goal down at the break, Poland surely had to come out all guns blazing, ready to provide Robert Lewandowski with ammunition and try to get themselves back into the equation.
It simply didn't happen.
There was no pace to their game, no urgency to their play and no real plan to their attacking movements.
An early exit from the World Cup is the result.
YERRY MINA A DEFENSIVE ROCK
He hasn't played too much in 2018, but Yerry Mina's World Cup debut was an impressive one.
After moving to Barcelona he's found first-time minutes hard to come by, but coming into Colombia's lineup today he showcased his abilities.
Strong in the air, good recovery pace and a composure on the ball which allowed his team to play out from the back, he has surely won himself a regular spot for the remainder of the tournament.
A goal at the other end helps, too!