James Rodriguez of Colombia celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match … [+] between Colombia and Argentina at Roberto Melendez Metropolitan Stadium on September 10, 2024 in Barranquilla, Colombia.
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Colombia have continued a magnificent run by defeating Argentina in FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying. The result means that Colombia still haven’t lost a game of football inside 90 minutes since February 2022.
Yesterday’s fixture was a rematch of the 2024 Copa America final, when Lionel Messi and Argentina triumphed 1-0 in extra time. This time the result was different and you felt like it was coming for Colombia; a team who have had so many near misses against Argentina in recent years.
Argentina celebrates with the cup following the Copa America Finals match between Colombia and … [+] Argentina on Sunday, July 14 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
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Argentina also defeated Colombia on penalties in the semi finals of the previous Copa America tournament in 2021 so it was about time they got their own back. As discussed before the game, Colombia also knew they would be facing Argentina at home in the Caribbean heat, without the presence of Lionel Messi.
Finally, therefore, Colombia have got one over on their old rivals Argentina, and this victory puts them into second in the qualifying table just two points behind their visitors. It also means that they have beaten Brazil and Argentina this campaign and remain the only unbeaten team in South American qualifying.
Colombia had to take the lead twice to earn three points as James Rodríguez played the role of the protagonist in all three goals scored during the game. His cross was a beautiful one to open the scoring. Yerson Mosquera met his ball with a powerful leap to send the home side 1-0 up in Barranquilla.
Colombia’s defender Yerson Mosquera heads the ball to score his team’s first goal during the 2026 … [+] FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Colombia and Argentina, at the Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia, on September 10, 2024.
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From there, an entertaining encounter saw chances for both teams. An imperfect pitch added to the entertainment but was clearly frustrating for players, and the heat of the afternoon sun in Colombia had sets of players soaked in sweat. The match became more open as time went on and you didn’t know who the next goal would fall for.
Then, just after the break, Colombia hearts were in mouths as a wayward ball from James was collected in their territory by new Juventus man Nicolás González. The winger still had a lot to do but he powered past the Colombian defense and neatly slotted home to level the scoring. James had undone his good work with a second assist, this time for the opposition.
Nicolas Gonzalez of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the South … [+] American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Colombia and Argentina at Roberto Melendez Metropolitan Stadium on September 10, 2024 in Barranquilla, Colombia.
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James would have the last laugh though, as a VAR review led to a penalty for the hosts on the hour mark. Crystal Palace fullback Daniel Muñoz went to ground in what was a tricky decision to make. Many video angles showed that he probably was clipped by the defender but whether or not it warranted such a fall is debatable. A penalty was awarded and there was only ever one man who was going to step up to take the spot kick.
James sent the keeper the wrong way with a lovely penalty and sent the home fans into delirium. It was 2-1 to Colombia, and despite some late pressing from both sides that is how it would stay.
Colombia hadn’t defeated Argentina since 2019, and they hadn’t beat them on home soil since all the way back in 2007. This victory not only sends them well on their way in World Cup qualifying, but it is a scalp taken against the World champions and another reminder to those watching that Colombia have all the tools to contend at the World Cup in 2026.
James Rodriguez of Colombia (not in the image) celebrates his goal with his teammates during the … [+] FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Colombia and Argentina at Roberto Melendez Metropolitan Stadium on September 10, 2024 in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Getty Images
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Publish date : 2024-09-10 19:53:00
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