Colombia just had its dream start to its World Cup campaign after an 8-year hiatus.
In the last game of the first matchday in this year’s World Cup, Colombia faced tournament debutants Uzbekistan in the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where the South Americans walked away with a 3-1 win to kick-start their tournament.
Coming into the game, Colombia knew they needed to take care of business and take advantage of Portugal’s surprise slip-up earlier that day, after they drew a blank with other debutants DR Congo in the other Group K game. Win, and that 2-point cushion between the two countries will go a long way in deciding who tops the group, which sets up your path in the knockout stages.
Although it was 3-1, there were some things that Colombia needed to correct if they wanted to get as far this summer as they could potentially get.
For one, it was bland at times. Too passive on the ball. Uzbekistan isn’t as good or talented on the ball as Colombia, so its strength is on the other side of the game. They’re big, disciplined and defend with almost 11 behind the ball. Colombia needed a bit more intensity and to be more decisive going forward so Uzbekistan couldn’t build back and get organized. But instead, you had Captain James Rodriguez, seemingly strolling around and offering almost nothing going forward, which is a massive problem, considering he is the one you look to create something and spark some kind of creativity.
Why wasn’t Juan Fernando Quintero brought in? If you see Rodriguez having no impact, you have to try something new, and Quintero was the thing that the game was calling out for. Someone with that same profile as Rodriguez, who sees the game differently, can play that killer line-breaking pass, and most importantly, RUN.
Also, a discussion must be had about the goalkeeping situation. That goal was completely and solely on him. Getting beaten on the first post because you couldn’t use your hands to swat it away? That can’t be happening if Colombia wants to go far because giving up a goal like that could be the difference in advancing or going home.
Now, it wasn’t all bad. Luis Diaz once again showed why he’s amongst the best players in the world with a goal and an assist that earned him Man of the Match. Time and time again, he’s been the one leading the line for this Colombia squad. Gustavo Puerta was also immense, covering every blade of grass. He was disrupting Uzbekistan’s play, which provided a lot of stability in that midfield. Really positive stuff from Puerta, who looks to be poised to break out.
Luis Suarez also did the little things that go unnoticed really well. Comfortable with a ball at his feet and can play with his back to goal, he provided great link-up play that kept the rhythm of play going.
The backline as well was super solid. Davinson Sanchez and Jhon Lucumi seem to be churning out stellar performances every time they suit up for the national team. Munoz, as well, was barely beaten and got himself that goal to open their campaign.
But by far the best moment was Cucho Hernandez. He came in and provided a truly special moment, with his assist being one of the best assists I’ve seen in a while because of the heart and grit he showed. In the 98th minute, he made a full sprint to get to the ball first, got fouled, immediately got back up, won the ball back while having his shirt pulled, managed to use his body well and spin out, and, with a single glance, whipped the perfect ball to Jaminton Campaz to seal Colombia’s victory and start the celebrations. The true cherry on top.
Now, as group leaders, if they can get past DR Congo on Tuesday night, they’d be in prime position to advance as group leaders heading into the last game with Portugal, which should be a spectacle.
Plenty to look out for with the squad that has the potential to truly do something no other Colombian side has ever done at a World Cup.