Radamel Falcao: 'World Cup clash between Colombia, Poland like a final'

Radamel Falcao has claimed that the World Cup Group H clash between Colombia and Poland will be "like a final" due to both teams desperately needing a win to stay in the tournament.

Los Cafeteros fell to a 2-1 defeat against Japan in their opener, while Poland lost by the same scoreline to Senegal.

As a result, both sides are on thin ice and a defeat for either team would spell the end of their time in Russia, with Falcao expecting a tense game when they lock horns in Kazan.

"We have two more games ahead and that means we still have the opportunity to progress to the next round," Falcao told reporters. "That gives us hope and it is in our own hands on the pitch. This team has shown it is mentally strong.

"It will be like a final. Each team will battle hard to keep the ball, and will close down the space for their opponents to operate in. Perhaps we won't make as many mistakes as we did before, because we all know this is a match that will determine who will continue in the World Cup."

Sunday's game will be the first ever competitive meeting between Colombia and Poland.