A premature goodbye to the coffee illusion
Vancouver was the scene of the goodbye. Colombia dreamed of matching its best World Cup participation, but penalties ruled the day. Without goals in 120 minutes, Switzerland won 4-3 from the eleventh step.
Davinson Sánchez hit the crossbar with his shot. Gregor Kobel saved Cucho Hernández’s penalty. The definition was relentless.
“Something was missing, we left the cup prematurely, we left in the round of 16,” lamented midfielder Jhon Arias. “Hopefully, God allows that today is a change in the national team because it is also good to always stay at the door.”
Colombia had clear opportunities to end the match. In the first extra time, Jhon Lucumí hit the crossbar with a header. At 116 minutes, Jaminton Campaz, alone against Kobel, finished above. The lack of definition was decisive.
With a squad led by Luis Díaz, Luis Suárez and James Rodríguez, expectations were high. Coach Néstor Lorenzo recognized the rival’s merit:
“We knew the match was going to be quite close, very tactical, very even… I think we deserved a little more for the intentions we had.”
The Colombian fans, present at each venue, supported the team. From Mexico City to Vancouver, a yellow tide accompanied the Coffee Growers. But Switzerland knew how to neutralize the Colombian attack with defensive order.
“We were able to cover Díaz very well,” said Swiss coach Murat Yakin. “We analyze different variations and study each player.”
James Rodríguez, top scorer of the 2014 World Cup, leaves without scoring in this edition. At 34 years old, his cycle in the national team seems to be closing. Luis Suárez, on the other hand, asked to look at the positive side:
“A sad day, but what was seen in this country must be looked at from the positive side. Let’s hope this is a turning point.”
Lorenzo’s contract ends with this defeat. Without revealing his future, he thanked the public. Colombia was left at the door again.
