Colombia successfully defeated Argentina with a score of 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers for the Conmebol Zone held at the Metropolitano Roberto Melendez, Barranquilla, Wednesday (11/9/2024).
Yerson Mosquera’s goal was equalized by Nico Gonzalez. Colombia secured victory thanks to a penalty taken by James Rodriguez.
Thanks to this result, Colombia has now moved up to second place in the standings with 16 points from eight matches. Meanwhile, Argentina is still perched at the top with 18 points.
In this match, Lionel Messi did not play due to an injury he sustained against Colombia on July 15, 2024 in the 2024 Copa America. Argentina’s game became less attractive and they lost their leader on the field. However, Argentina was still able to take advantage of many opportunities.
Argentina had a hard time dealing with Colombia’s game. Lionel Scaloni’s troops were threatened several times within 15 minutes.
In the 12th minute, Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas made a blunder after failing to dribble past Argentine striker Julian Alvarez. Alvarez took the ball and fired a shot towards the Colombian goal, but fortunately the ball went wide.
In the 18th minute, Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul made a shot that threatened the Colombian goal, but his effort did not result in a goal. In the 25th minute, Colombia took a 1-0 lead through Yerson Mosquera’s header after continuing a pass from James Rodriguez.
Colombia led 1-0 in the 25th minute. A cross from James Rodriguez was successfully met with a header by Yerson Mosquera.
Argentina tried to get out of the pressure after conceding. However, Colombia was able to press Argentina aggressively.
There was no reply from Argentina until halftime. The first half ended 1-0 for Colombia.
Argentina managed to equalize the score to 1-1 when the second half had only been going on for three minutes. Nico Gonzalez managed to cut James Rodriguez’s backpass, who then dribbled the ball in front of the goalkeeper and scored a goal.
Colombia then got a penalty due to a violation committed by Nicolas Otamendi. James Rodriguez stepped forward as the executor and brought Colombia to a 2-1 lead in the 60th minute.
Argentina had difficulty developing their game. Colombia played passively after taking the lead and waited a little for the moment to take the ball from the Argentine player’s feet.
Argentina tried to catch up in the remaining time. However, their efforts were fruitless. The final score of 2-1 for Colombia’s victory was the final result of this match.
