“I’ve known James since he was a kid and I always knew how useful he is. I know how much he loves these colors, that’s why it hurt me so much when he was criticized so much, that’s why I trusted him, because his commitment to the national team is supreme,” said Lorenzo.
He added that “he runs less now and thinks more, and that helps him too. He has a team that surrounds him well and that gives him alternatives to his game. There is a very even group, it is difficult to define who is the starter.”
The ’10’, 32 years old, once again had a good game in the win against the Ticos, which allowed the Colombians to extend their invincibility streak to 25 games. In addition, he added his third assist in the tournament by enabling striker Jhon Córdoba with his weak leg, the right, to score the final goal.
In the same way, just as there are players who shine, there are others who are not noticed, but do a silent job that is fundamental. For example, Carlos Cuesta was not seen against Costa Rica. However, he fulfilled the task that was entrusted to him.
Another player who has not shone as expected so far is Jhon Arias, but he is James’ backup and also performs defensive duties on whatever side he is working on.
What’s next
Colombia now has to ratify what was done in the two matches played in the Copa América and that gave it qualification to the quarterfinals. The third game of Group D will be on Tuesday against Brazil at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, starting at 8 p.m.
“We would like to play a great match against Brazil as well, so we will not let ourselves get carried away. Thank God the whole squad is performing well and we can put together a good team,” Lorenzo said.
With a perfect score, the national team joined Argentina and Venezuela as the only teams with a guaranteed spot in the second phase so far. The Costa Ricans, for their part, remained in third place for the moment, with one point.
It has not yet been determined whether Lorenzo will give some of the starters a rest. If he does, it is clear that those who come in will still know what they have to do, because despite some isolated criticisms of the coach’s work, Lorenzo manages a group from which he knows what to expect.
The only position in which there is still no renewal is that of goalkeeper, because David Ospina and Camilo Vargas appropriated it for more than twelve years.
The ’10’ position has not been renewed either, but there are alternatives. For the rest, Lorenzo has been leaving behind men who fulfilled his cycle and that is why today we see Jhon Lucumí, Jhon Córdoba, Jhon Arias, Jéfferson Lerma or Richard Ríos and alternatives like Yáser Asprilla.
What can Colombia lose? Yes, there are no invincible teams in the world. But for now it is a team that wins and likes and if it can score.
We will have to see this team on Tuesday against Brazil defining first place in the group. The advantage is that you no longer lose your shirt, but rather play as equals and beat them, as already happened in the World Cup qualifiers.
And yes, it is too early to celebrate, but you have to enjoy the moment, without triumphalism and knowing that not all games turn out as you think.
Colombia has shown technical and tactical prowess and that is why it allows us to dream. It is all about keeping our feet firmly on the ground.
On TV
SATURDAY
Switzerland-Italy 11:00 am Star+
Germany-Denmark 2:00 pm ESPN
Santa Fe-Medellin 2:00 pm Win Sports
America-Llaneros 4:00 pm Colombia Signal
Nacional-Alianza FC 6:00 pm Signal Colombia
Canada-Chile 7:00 pm DSports
Argentina-Peru 7:00 pm Win Sports+
SUNDAY
England-Slovakia 11:00 am Star+
Spain-Georgia 2:00 pm ESPN
Millonarios-Cali 4:00 pm Win Sports
Jamaica-Venezuela 7:00 pm Win Sports+
Mexico-Ecuador 7:00 pm DSports
