Sports

Colombia’s Youthful Squad Impress Coach Lorenzo in 2-0 Victory Over Peru

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

Colombia secured its first win since James Rodríguez’s retirement with a 2-0 triumph over Peru on Tuesday. The match, played at Inter Miami’s Nu Stadium, saw Samuel Velásquez and Daniel Arcila each score their first senior international goals. Colombia’s 16 shots yielded 1.53 expected goals, with five on target, while Peru’s five attempts produced an xG of 0.36 and no shots on target. Peru’s Miguel Araujo was sent off early after conceding possession to Camilo Duran and then being tackled. Coach Nestor Lorenzo did not include star forward Luis Díaz in the squad, following an agreement with Bayern Munich to rest him, and former captain James Rodríguez had retired from national duty the previous month. Despite a 1-1 draw with Mexico and a 1-0 loss to Paraguay earlier in the break, Lorenzo said the recent games have helped lay foundations for the future. “I’m happy with the attitude and what has happened in these 15 days together, with the new guys,” he said. “During the three games, we maintained a structure that allowed the youngsters to adapt. Sometimes that happened, sometimes it didn’t, and I would have liked the football to flow a little more, especially in the first games, in which we finished badly.” Of the 26 players called up, only Royer Caicedo and Oscar Perea did not play in any of the three matches. Lorenzo plans to continue experimenting ahead of home and away friendlies against Chile next month, noting that even those who did not play showed potential for future call‑ups.