Colombia strikes first: Triumph on debut against Paraguay

Nestor Lorenzo kept his team, the people he trusts, for his debut at the America’s Cup. The Colombian national team entered the game against Paraguay using the same scheme and with the same lineups from the entire process of the Argentine coach. His close circle and with whom he was able to consolidate his style of play.

Camilo Vargas was in goal, in defense there were two usual full-backs: Muñoz on the right and Mojica on the left, and central defenders Sanchez and Lucumi. In midfield Lerma with Rios and John Arias and above, the usual three: in the center is Santos Borre, on the right is James and on the left is Luis Diaz.

It didn’t take long for Columbia to establish itself on the playing field. The ball always found its way to Diaz, who caused Gustavo Velasquez problems in the Paraguayan defense from the first minutes. First the individual, and then we look for the collective with the centers on the left.

Colombia had the upper hand in attack but looked more vulnerable at the back when Paraguay had the ball. Especially on the right flank, where Cubas, Villasanti and Enciso, the most dangerous, took advantage and enlisted the help of Muñoz and Lerma. Although the national team created a danger in Morinigo’s goal, the opponent did the same in Vargas’ goal.

In the 24th minute there is bad news for Colombia. John Lucumi was unable to recover from the hit and was forced to leave the game. He was replaced by Yerry Mina. who became a couple with Davinson Sanchez. Paraguay did not look weak, and Colombia had the task of disrupting it and becoming stronger in defense.

Colombia managed to decide. And he did it in Paraguayan style, with play in the air and a very well thought out play at the back, from where Mojica started it. The defender played with Lerma, this one with Arias, and this one with James, who on the left played a pass – what a beautiful pass – to Munoz, who was waiting for the ball on the other side of the field. and he defeated Morinigo by head.

Nine minutes later, Colombia increased the lead, this time with a stationary ball and again a pass from James, who fouled from the right and He found Lerma, who headed, yes, again, the second, rising into the penalty area and overcoming the mark that was bothering him.

Second half: Triumph for Colombia

In the second half, Paraguay wanted to get closer to Camilo Vargas’ goal, have more possession of the ball in Colombia’s penalty area and try to lead Nestor Lorenzo’s team into a low block. However, Colombia managed to neutralize the opponent and defend the result.

Despite this, the team made several mistakes in defense. Poor servings at the start forced Paraguay into danger not from their own strengths, but from Colombia’s errors. Both Munoz and Mina acted recklessly when serving the ball.

In one of these mistakes, Paraguay managed to make a discount. First, the team allowed a cross from the left sector, then Davinson was confident and did not see Enciso following him after center and third, neither Mina nor Mojica were confident in their scores. The Paraguayan forward single-handedly found the ball and easily beat Camilo Vargas.

After the goal, Colombia took on a new look and returned to the Paraguay field. John Cordoba and Matheus Uribe were already on the court, and instead of Jefferson Lerma and Santos Borre came onto the field. Diaz, Rios and James met again and together again put the team ahead..

At Colombia’s insistence, Yerry Mina arrived in the penalty area and, when attempting to head the ball, received a foul, which the referee declared the highest penalty. However, VAR called the referee to review the action and he ultimately decided it was not a foul on the Paraguayan player’s part.

An emotional moment was experienced when Juan Fernando Quintero came on in place of James Rodriguez and the entire Colombian crowd present at the stadium in Houston. Almost the entire hall applauded the top ten team without hesitation and with love.

Columbia won again, James became the axis and leader of the team again, Richard Rios has gained importance in midfield and attack thanks to his mobility and the opening of space. Luis Diaz scored in the box, especially in the first goal, and Camilo Vargas, as always, answered the goal.