KAZAN, Russia - Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado said on Tuesday that Senegal, whose players boast speed and technical skill, will be a mighty adversary in their final Group H game on Thursday.
The South Americans are third and need a win in Samara to guarantee a place in the last 16, while the African side are second and will progress with at least a draw. "We have to be careful because they are a great team. Not only do they run - they're also very good technically," Cuadrado told reporters.
He was tight-lipped about what team Argentine-born coach Jose Pekerman would field against Senegal. "The last (few) days we have been working to see what is the best plan to go and find the best result," said Cuadrado, who scored in the 3-0 win over Poland on Sunday.
Colombia's football association has said the players who faced Poland focused on "regenerative" work on Monday. Keeper David Ospina did not show any "complications" from pain in his right foot incurred in the demolition of Poland, the Colombian FA said in a statement late on Monday.
Midfielder Abel Aguilar also did recovery work but was set to have an examination on a painful left adductor on Tuesday, an injury which forced him out of Sunday's match after 30 minutes.
Columbia are third in the group on three points must win the match to advance to the round of 16, while Senegal - second and tied with group leaders, Japan, on four points - need only draw.