05/07/2026

theSun on Sunday JULY 5, 2026

2026 WORLD CUP

SPORTS 14

Colombia stand firm Lorenzo hails Los Cafeteros ’s defensive discipline after edging Ghana

C OLOMBIA coach Nestor Lorenzo praised his side’s defensive resilience after they ground out a 1-0 victory over Ghana yes terday to book their place in the World Cup quarterfinals, saying their ability to protect a slender lead showed the maturity of his team. Colombia created the better chances through out the Round of 16 contest but were forced to withstand late pressure from Ghana before secur ing a last-eight meeting with Switzerland in Vancouver on Wednesday. Lorenzo said his players deserved credit not only for their attacking intent but also for the dis

explaining that the change had been made for tactical reasons rather than because of a physical problem. He added that several members of the squad had been dealing with flu-like symp toms during the week but praised their commitment in difficult circumstances. The only injury concern was striker Jhon Cordoba, who finished the match in discomfort. “With Cordoba we have to wait,” Lorenzo said. “We’ll know more after the medical examinations.” Colombia now turn their attention to Switzerland, who advanced with an impressive victory of their own to set up what

cipline they showed after taking the lead. “After creating several chances and not converting, I liked how we defended,” he told reporters. “I value the fact that we did not suffer much, apart from the opponent’s clear chances.” The Argentine coach said Colombia’s back line faced a difficult task because his team spent long periods pressing high up the pitch, leaving space behind for Ghana to exploit on the counterattack. “Our defenders had to be very alert because we were playing high,” Lorenzo said. “They responded very well and that gave us the balance we needed.” Lorenzo also eased concerns

field forward. They play very well,” he said. “It is going to be a very tough match.” Colombia have quietly emerged as one of the tournament’s most balanced teams, combining defensive organisation with attacking flair, and Lorenzo believes yesterday’s hard-fought victory showed they can win in different ways as the com petition enters its decisive stages. “We know every match becomes more difficult now,” he said. “The important thing is that the team continues to compete with the same com mitment and intensity.” – Reuters/Agencies

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over captain James Rodriguez after the veteran playmaker was substituted before the final whistle. “James is fine. He has no injury,” the coach said,

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Lorenzo expects to be one of the toughest matches of the tournament. “They have order, but also good players from mid

Draw Date: 04/07/26 (Sat)

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Queiroz rues Black Stars’ lack of maturity

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Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz shouts to his players during yesterday’s RO32 match against Colombia at the Kansas City Stadium. – REUTERSPIC

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aged several nations at World Cups, said Colombia deserved their victory after controlling much of the contest. “The goal came too early for us,” Queiroz said. “It took some time for us to adjust and recover from that sub stitution, and the goal came at the moment we were trying to resettle our team.” Although Ghana improved after the break and created more attack ing opportunities, Queiroz acknowl edged his side never truly took con trol of the match against a disciplined Colombian defence. “We were better in the second half, but we were never really in charge of the game,” he said. Ghana exit the tournament after an encouraging campaign that saw them progress from the group stage before falling at the first knockout hurdle. Despite the disappointment, Queiroz believes the experience will benefit a squad packed with emerg ing talent. “We have to learn from this,” he said. “These players have gained valuable experience against top level opponents and that will help them grow.” – Reuters/Agencies

GHANA’S lack of experience and inability to cope with pressure at key moments proved decisive in their 1-0 defeat by Colombia in the World Cup Round of 32, coach Carlos Queiroz said after his side’s elimination yester day. Jhon Arias scored the only goal of the match in the 14th minute, shortly after Ghana were forced into an early defensive reshuffle when right back Marvin Senaya limped off injured and was replaced by Alidu Seidu. Queiroz felt the disruption came at the worst possible time and admitted his young team struggled to recover after falling behind. “I felt really quickly that some of the Ghanaian players were fearful. They were not cool, calm and collected when the pressure hit,” the Portuguese coach told reporters. “It’s a very young team. We need more experience, we need time for some players to win what we call maturity. “When you play this kind of compe tition at this level, you cannot only count on the enthusiasm of the youths.” The 73-year-old, who has man

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