Remember James Rodriguez?

A dominant first half from Colombia early on Monday morning set the tone for the match but their failure to capitalise on momentum allowed Paraguay back it late. Two first-half headers, both of which were assisted by James Rodriguez, put Los Cafeteros up 2-0 at the break. The first was nodded home by Daniel Munoz and the second by Jefferson Lerma. Paraguay climbed back into the match in the second half. Brighton winger Julio Enciso, their brightest player all match, found the back of the net with a tidy effort in the 69th minute.

But, it was too little, too late as Colombia romped home 2-1.

UNDEFEATED Colombia have not lost a match at the international level in more than two years. Their last loss was on Feb 1, 2022 against A r g e n t i n a i n CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. They did not qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. THE MVP What is this, 2016? What a showing from the ex-Real Madrid star. Monday was the best version of Rod rig uez possible, a nd Colombia were the better for it


With two magnificent assists, his vision on the ball never ceases to amaze. If he is in this form, Los Cafeteros have to be one of the favorites. ON THE LOSING SIDE N ewc a s t l e w i n g e r Miguel Almiron was nonexistent across the match, failing to lead his attack as their established superstar as he struggled to make anything happen in the final-third, and didn’t spark any momentum for his nation. He was hooked after just 59 minutes.