Colombia National Team | Néstor Lorenzo is cautious against Costa Rica and asks not to underestimate him: ‘He will give us a fight’

There are less than 24 hours left until the ball starts rolling in the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, where the Colombia selection It is measured against Costa Rica on the second date of group D of the Copa América.

It is a crucial match for the national team, which is looking for its second victory in the tournament to achieve the long-awaited qualification for the quarter-finals. Colombia comes from beating 2-1 Paraguay in the debut and against Costa Rica goes for the first objective set.

The keys

This Thursday, the DT Nestor Lorenzo was accompanied with Juan Fernando Quintero at the press conference before the match against the Central Americans and spoke of the difficult challenge that lies ahead.

The Argentine strategist was consulted about the work done by Rafael Santos Borré and Jhon Córdoba, who had no chances to score against Paraguay, but came out to defend them.

“I think it depends on the game, they may not intervene much in the game. I am satisfied with both of them, with what they did, the forwards have a fundamental role and I am satisfied,” said the coach.

Alfaro is a rival to be careful with

Lawrence praised the rival after what was seen against Canarinha: “Gustavo He is a great strategist, he has been growing since he took over the team and the results have given him confidence. He also has the offensive weapon to hurt the opponent on duty. Prioritizing the result (against Brazil) I think he was satisfied because an important part of the plan worked out for him.”

For its part, Juan fer He knows that a dead ball could unbalance a match that could be very close after seeing the approach he made Costa Rica against the Brazilians on date 1 of the group.

“It is one of the strengths we have (the still ball), we must adapt to the situation and we must take advantage of the fact that we have men with very good legs and the height that could define a close game,” he said. Juanfer Quintero.

Regarding the match, the Argentine coach said that the Costa Rican team should not be underestimated because, under Alfaro’s guidance, they have been doing an important job.

“Costa Rica andThey are competing very well, they are a team in formation, but they have had a bit of trouble with the replacement. Alfaro He has been in charge of consolidating those guys, it is a very careful team and it is going to be difficult for us,” explained Néstor Lorenzo.

“We are underestimating them a little and we must not underestimate them. If they were a team that was going to fall back on defense, I wouldn’t be worried. I am worried about the change in attitude at times, as they have done well in other game situations. They are going to fight in all areas of the field. They are a young, strong team with a lot of energy. We have to be patient and they are going to compete physically. They are not an easy team, they are going to be tough,” he added.

Nestor Lorenzo was consulted about a possible change in the system to put two center forwards, seeing that Costa Rica plays with three central defenders at the back, the coach left it up in the air that tactical movements are not ruled out.

HAROLD YEPES

SPORTS