2026 FIFA WC: 'We could have built a bigger advantage'. Colombia's Lorenzo rues missed chances despite 3-1 win
Mexico City, June 18
Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo admitted his side fell short of their best level despite securing a convincing 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their opening Group K match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Goals from Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz, and Jaminton Campaz helped Colombia begin their campaign on a winning note at the Mexico City Stadium on Wednesday. The result moved the South American side to the top of Group K ahead of their second match against DR Congo next week.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, Lorenzo felt his team should have made greater use of their opportunities, particularly in the opening half. "In the first half, we could have built a bigger advantage. We lacked finishing," Lorenzo said after the match, as quoted by Xinhua.
The Colombian coach noted that his players were often too cautious in possession and failed to turn promising moves into clear scoring opportunities. "Sometimes there was too much possession and too much fear of losing the ball. Nobody was finishing the moves," he added.
More than 80,000 spectators packed the stadium, with a large majority dressed in Colombia's colours and creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the contest. While Lorenzo appreciated the passionate support, he admitted the occasion may also have placed extra pressure on some members of his squad.
"It is a beautiful energy, but emotionally it weighed on some of the players," Lorenzo said. "I think it had to do with the emotional burden of the first game and also with the responsibility of being favourites."
Lorenzo also defended captain James Rodriguez after the veteran playmaker endured a relatively quiet outing and was replaced in the 72nd minute.
"It wasn't his best match, but he didn't have a bad game," the Colombia coach said. "They closed the spaces where James usually operates. He wasn't the protagonist, but in possession, he gave us a lot."
Colombia will now turn their attention to their second Group K fixture against DR Congo in Guadalajara on Tuesday, looking to build on a winning start and move closer to the knockout stages.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The emotional burden of being favourites - this is so relatable! Even in our kabaddi league, you see top teams struggling with pressure. Coach Lorenzo is right to call out the caution. But honestly, with Luis Diaz firing and 80,000 fans behind them, Colombia should go all out next match. DR Congo could be tricky though.
Interesting that Lorenzo defended James Rodriguez despite a quiet game. In Indian football, we often see players like Sunil Chhetri go through similar spells where they're marked out by opponents. But a good coach knows their value even when they're not scoring. Colombia should be fine if they tighten up in the final third.
Having watched plenty of World Cup football from India, I think Colombia's coach is being a bit too harsh on his team. 3-1 in the opening match with the pressure of 80,000 fans is no small achievement. Sure, they could have scored more, but so often teams blow leads by being too aggressive. Smart to stay controlled.
I appreciate the honesty from Lorenzo, but as someone who follows football closely, I think this kind of public critique can backfire. Players might become even more nervous. Better to keep such concerns in the dressing room. That said, Colombia looked good - Diaz is a proper star. Need to be more clinical though. DR Congo will be a different beast altogether.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.