The lead-up to the match for the seventh round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers featured a strong analysis pointing out Colombia’s weaknesses.
The Colombian national team is preparing for its clash against Peru this Friday, September 8, but the press in that country is already playing their own game and taking some jabs at the ‘Tricolor’ idols.
Jabs at Colombia from Peru
‘Bombardero’, a columnist for Trome, was optimistic about a victory against the Colombians despite the poor form of that team, offering a bold statement about how competitive the match could be.
“The current situation can only be changed by those on the field,” he said, before suggesting how Peru should neutralize the two players who make the most difference for Colombia: Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez.
Regarding Díaz, the comments were focused on his performance during the Copa América final against Argentina, with a suggestion on how to stop him.
“I took the time to review the final of the last Copa América. And honestly, Luis Díaz didn’t stand out. And you know why? They tackled him relentlessly when he had the ball. Even the toughest guy feels the pain of a hit, looks out for who’s coming from behind. We need them to run nonstop, not spare any effort or sprint. Everyone must end the game exhausted,” he said.
Criticism of James Rodríguez
The analysis of the midfielder, now with Rayo Vallecano, was not only less generous but also downplayed what the Cucuta-born player achieved to be awarded MVP of the tournament in the United States.
“James Rodríguez is predictable. He makes the ‘cafeteros’ play, and the task is to prevent the ball from reaching him. He’s not Messi, Neymar, or another game-changer. In fact, he didn’t deserve to be the best player in the South American tournament in the United States. On Sunday, July 14, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, they sold shirts with his name because only his ghost was present on the field,” the columnist said.
While the collective strength of the team, led by Argentine Néstor Lorenzo, was praised, the dig at Colombia’s two stars was clear: “The two most prominent players can be marked. It all depends on whether we’re sharp and fully focused,” the analysis concluded.
When Does Colombia Play Against Peru and Argentina?
Colombia’s match against Peru is on Friday, September 6, at 8 PM at the Monumental Stadium in Lima, closing the seventh round of the Qualifiers.
Colombia will play Argentina at home in the eighth round on Tuesday, September 10, at 3:30 PM at the Metropolitano Stadium in Barranquilla.
Conmebol World Cup 2026 Qualifier Standings After Round 6
- Argentina: 15 points (+6)
- Uruguay: 13 points (+8)
- Colombia: 12 points (+3)
- Venezuela: 9 points (+3)
- Ecuador: 8 points (+2)
- Brazil: 7 points (+1)
- Paraguay: 5 points (-2)
- Chile: 5 points (-4)
- Bolivia: 3 points (-10)
- Peru: 2 points (-7)
