The technical director of the Colombian soccer team, Néstor Lorenzo (i), speaks with the player Richard Ríos during a press conference this Monday, in Barranquilla (Colombia). Colombia, which is experiencing a crisis because it has lost four of its last five games, will receive this Tuesday in Barranquilla a strengthened Paraguayan team, which is undefeated in seven games without losing in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Photo: EFE – Mauricio Dueñas Castañeda
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The Colombian national team This Saturday they face their first match after qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The rival will be Mexico (Gol Caracol, 8:00 pm), a team in great shape, with nine games without losing, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Beyond the result, Néstor Lorenzo seeks to consolidate the human and football base of a process that, according to himself, has been built on unity and trust.
“Here we put together a very strong group. There was never a problem of discipline, disobedience and rebellion. They have wanted to invent themselves, but they have not been able to, because that is very strong in this team, we continue along that same line and it is installed in the group“, assured the Argentine coach when asked by the leadership within the locker room.
For Lorenzo, the secret of Colombia's good moment lies in the solidarity between the players. “We all depend on each other and if there is no trust and there is not a good predisposition and good human quality, it becomes complicated, you cannot depend on someone you do not trust, teamwork is that, that each one contributes their own and trust in the partner that they can contribute.”he added.
Mexico, a World Cup rival
The match against Mexico will serve to refine details and maintain the competitive pace before the FIFA dates in October and November.
“Although they also came very quickly after the Qualifiers and we have a date in October and November, many have to play here, travel to Europe, play 2-3 games, come back; It is a dizzying pace and we are going to try to get the most out of it. Although they say they are friendly, they are World Cup players, because we are going to face World Cup teams.“explained the Argentine.
As for the rival, Lorenzo highlighted the growth of the team led by Javier Aguirre: “He didn't play in the playoffs, but he just won the Gold Cup, which gives him a category of the best in Concacaf. “He has a coach that I know, who is a man with a lot of World Cup experience who leaves nothing to chance, creates good groups and is going to make the most of the quality of the Mexican player who is at a good level.”
Is Colombia ready for the World Cup final?
The coach also referred to the words of the historic Carlos “El Pibe” Valderramawho days ago stated that Colombia is “for the World Cup final.”
“He always supported the process, he always highlighted the positive things that were many and I take it as a good prediction from him, knowing what he knows and I don't take it as pressure. He says that he has faith in the selection and that is because he has said it throughout the entire process, I admire him and love him very much and I take it in the best way. We are going to try to reach the last game with possibilities“said the Argentine.
The headlines against Mexico
For this meeting, Lorenzo confirmed the ownership of three references: “David Ospina is going to save, it's time for David to have his match. James is going to play and Lucho Díaz is going to play”.
Regarding the great news of the call, the Fluminense winger Kevin Sernaexplained: “He is a player who can give us variants in attack, he can play on both wings, behind the nine, he is an intelligent player and I hope he can add minutes and take advantage of the opportunity.”
Finally, he spoke about James Rodríguez's moment in the Mexican León: “I have followed León a lot, I have gone to León, he had made a good start to the championship, then his performance fell, players left and the concern is relative, because We have to prepare James for our team, knowing that he plays and that he is physically well, we will readapt him to give him the best and for him to do his thing.”
With the group consolidated, the leadership clear and the objective on the horizon, Colombia prepares for a new test against a World Cup rival. For Lorenzo, the challenge goes beyond the result: It is about strengthening the identity of a team that has already shown that it can compete with anyone.
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