The team will face Spain this Saturday for a place among the four best in the world. César Torres outlines his eleven with a significant loss and many hopes.
Photo: EFE – Benjamín Hernández
Quick summary and information
Listen to this article
Audio generated with Google AI
History once again puts Colombia in front of a great opportunity. This Saturday, the Under-20 team will compete against Spain goes to the World Cup semi-finalsan instance that has not set foot since 2003, when the generation of Abel Aguilar, Edixon Perea and Erwin “Alpinito” Carrillo managed to sneak into the top four. Two decades later, the dream is reborn with a team that, although not starting as favorites, arrives with confidence intact and an undefeated record that fuels the hope.
The team of Cesar Torres has had a solid tournament in results, but irregular in performance. They passed the first phase without defeats, although with difficulties to achieve in the area and with some defensive potholes. In the victory against South Africa in the round of 16however, seemed to find its balance point: solidity in the background, greater clarity on the sides and, above all, the scoring awakening of Neiser Villarrealauthor of the double that sealed the classification.
“It was the victory we were looking for, with good play, with work and now we have to think about Spain in the quarterfinals,” said the forward from Tumaque, South American scorer and figure from the last game. At your side, Oscar Perea —determinant on the left wing— added that The group “has had a good tournament and wants to continue dreaming.”
Torres, who has insisted that his goal is to reach the “seventh game” of the World Cup, plans to maintain its offensive game idea, supported by the projections of Joel Canchimbo and the balance it offers Kener Gonzalez in the middle. However, they will have to adjust details in the pressure after loss and in the precision of the pass, two aspects that became costly in the first games.
The challenge will be greater against a Spain that, despite not shining in the group stage, is still a power. The Europeans arrive with the seal of their youth team: possession, intensity and deep sides. Jesús Fortea (Real Madrid) and Julio Díaz (Atlético de Madrid) They are key pieces in Paco Gallardo's system, while goalkeeper Fran González, from Real Madrid, and winger Pablo García, from Betis, provide hierarchy and imbalance.
A significant loss for Colombia
In the Colombian team, the only confirmed loss is that of Simon Garciasuspended due to accumulation of yellow cards. His absence will force the defense to move, probably with the entry of Weimar Vivas or Julián Bazán in the central defensive rear.
Even so, the atmosphere in the tricolor concentration is one of optimism. Colombia knows that the match is a reserved one, but also that it has the weapons to compete equally with anyone. Collective work, intensity and individual talent will be the keys to trying to break the barrier to the quarterfinals, the one that has been elusive for 22 years.
The hope is alive and the country is preparing to dream again of a place among the four best in the world. The ball will roll and history will once again offer its opportunity.
Probable lineups for Colombia and Spain in the U-20 World Cup
Colombia: Jordan Garcia; Carlos Sarabia, Weimar Vivas, Yeimar Mosquera, Juan Arizala; Elkin Rivero, Kener González, Jordan Barrera, Óscar Perea, Joel Canchimbo and Neiser Villarreal. DT: Cesar Torres.
Spain: Fran Gonzalez; Julio Díaz, Andrés Cuenca, Izan Merino, Jesús Fortea; Thiago Pitarch, Rayyane Belaid, Rodrigo Mendoza; Jan Vigili, Iker Bravo and Pablo García. DT: Paco Gallardo.
🚴🏻⚽🏀 The latest in sports?: Everything you need to know about world sport is in El Espectador
