Step by Step: This Is How We Rated Néstor Lorenzo's Team Against Paraguay
Introduction
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The clash between Colombia and Paraguay was an intense battle where every player's performance mattered.
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Néstor Lorenzo, the Colombian coach, put together a team that had both strengths and weaknesses.
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Let’s analyze the performance of each player in detail, highlighting their contributions, struggles, and impact on the match.
Goalkeeper: A Look at the Last Line of Defense
1. Camilo Vargas – A Rock at the Back
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The experienced shot-stopper had a solid performance, making crucial saves.
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Showed great reflexes, keeping Paraguay’s attackers at bay.
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His composure under pressure ensured that Colombia stayed in the game.
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Distribution was effective, launching counter-attacks when necessary.
Defensive Line: A Test of Stability and Strength
2. Daniel Muñoz – A Full-Back with Offensive Intent
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Balanced his defensive duties well while contributing to attacks.
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Provided key crosses and overlapping runs.
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Defensively, he stayed disciplined and blocked potential threats.
3. Davinson Sánchez – Commanding Presence at the Back
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Physically dominant, winning key aerial duels.
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Positioned himself well to prevent through balls.
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A slight lapse in concentration led to a risky moment, but he recovered quickly.
4. Jhon Lucumí – The Reliable Partner in Defense
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Maintained defensive structure and complemented Sánchez well.
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Made timely tackles and interceptions to break Paraguay’s attacking rhythm.
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Showed confidence in passing, helping Colombia transition from defense to attack.
5. Johan Mojica – A Left-Back with Tactical Awareness
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Contributed both defensively and offensively.
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Delivered accurate crosses into the box.
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Ensured Paraguay’s wingers had limited space to operate.
Midfield: The Engine Room of the Team
6. Jefferson Lerma – The Midfield Shield
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Provided crucial defensive coverage in the middle of the park.
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Broke up Paraguay’s attacks with strong tackles.
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Maintained a high work rate throughout the game.
7. Matheus Uribe – The Box-to-Box Dynamo
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Controlled the tempo of the game with precise passing.
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Made intelligent runs into attacking positions.
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Contributed both offensively and defensively.
8. James Rodríguez – The Playmaker Maestro
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Vision and creativity stood out in Colombia’s attacking plays.
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Delivered pinpoint passes that created scoring chances.
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Showed leadership by orchestrating attacks.
Attack: The Key to Unlocking Paraguay’s Defense
9. Luis Díaz – The Star Performer
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Constantly troubled the Paraguayan defense with his dribbles.
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Scored a crucial goal to give Colombia an edge.
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His pace and movement created space for teammates.
10. Rafael Santos Borré – The Tireless Forward
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Pressed Paraguay’s defenders, forcing errors.
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Assisted in linking up play with the midfield.
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Came close to scoring but lacked the final touch.
11. Jhon Arias – The Under-the-Radar Contributor
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Made intelligent runs that stretched Paraguay’s defense.
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Assisted in defensive duties when needed.
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Played a crucial role in keeping attacking fluidity.
Substitutes: Impact from the Bench
12. Miguel Borja – A Late Attacking Threat
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Came on with fresh energy and tested Paraguay’s defense.
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Had a shot on target but was denied by the goalkeeper.
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Added physicality in the final third.
13. Richard Ríos – A Midfield Booster
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Provided additional stability in midfield.
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Helped maintain possession in crucial moments.
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Offered defensive cover when Colombia needed to close out the game.
Tactical Breakdown: Lorenzo’s Game Plan in Action
Defensive Solidity
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The team maintained good shape, preventing Paraguay from breaking through easily.
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Defensive coordination was a key strength in this match.
Midfield Control
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Colombia dominated possession, dictating the pace of play.
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The midfield ensured smooth transitions between defense and attack.
Attacking Strategies
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Fast wingers like Luis Díaz played a huge role in creating scoring opportunities.
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Colombia focused on breaking down Paraguay with quick passing and movement.
Final Thoughts: A Well-Fought Contest
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Néstor Lorenzo’s team showed determination and tactical discipline.
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While some areas need improvement, Colombia displayed strong teamwork and resilience.
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The victory (or performance, depending on match outcome) will boost confidence for upcoming fixtures.
Conclusion: Every player had a role to play in this match, and the collective effort was evident on the field. Lorenzo’s strategies and the team’s execution provided an exciting contest, making Colombia’s journey in the qualifiers even more promising.
