KAZAN, Russia, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Colombia coach Jose Pekerman dedicated his team's 3-0 victory over Poland on Sunday to midfielder Carlos Sanchez, who was sent off in their opening match against Japan and received a death threat.
"This victory is dedicated to Carlos Sanchez, who has had a hard time over the past few days. I want to share this victory with him, and this is something all our players feel," said the 68-year-old.
Colombia had fallen to a 2-1 defeat against Japan in their opening game, with Sanchez expelled for a deliberate handball just three minutes into the match.
Authorities in Colombia said later that they were investigating a death threat made against Sanchez on social media together with an image of former player Andres Escobar, who was shot and killed days after scoring a own goal and causing Colombia to lose a key game at the 1994 World Cup.
Pekerman said the troubled midfielder was deeply affected by the matter.
Sanchez was suspended for Sunday's game against Poland but may be in line to appear in his side's decisive final group match against Senegal.
Pekerman said he was confident his team would have what it takes to beat the African team.
"My players are self-critical, they are competitive, they are ambitious. They can overcome the lows and they give us hope," said the Argentine coach.
After Japan and Senegal played out a 2-2 draw in the other Group H match on Sunday, the two sides are level on four points. Colombia have three points, with Poland already eliminated after zero points from their two defeats.
Colombia will play Senegal in their last group match on June 28, while Japan take on Poland.
