Colombia vs Argentina Player Ratings as James Rodriguez’s heroics Powers Colombia 2-1 triumph

The two Copa America 2024 finalists, Colombia and Argentina clashed again in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification meeting at Estadio Metropolitano in Colombia. The hosts, Los Cafeteros defeated the Reigning World and South American champions with a 2-1 scoreline to complete their revenge for the loss of Copa America. It’s only the second time, La Albiceleste have suffered defeat in this World Qualification campaign. James Rodriguez delivered an exhilarating performance fueled by a jam-packed energetic home crowd. 

Colombia National Football Team Rating vs Argentina

Goalkeeper 

Camilo Vargas – 6.5/10: The Colombian keeper wasn’t tested by an Argentine attacker much. Except on one occasion, when Nicolas went through his legs, could have done better during the equaliser.

Defenders 

Daniel Muñoz – 7/10: Crystal Palace full-back played superbly in his position as the Right-back maintained the perfect balance of offence and defence to his game.

Yerson Mosquera – 7.5/10: The Wolves Centre back was undoubtedly the best defender on the pitch scoring the first opening goal through a leaping header and remaining top-class in the defensive backline to keep the Argentine attack quiet.

Jhon Lucumí – 7/10: He was solid in pairing with Mosquera putting in some crucial interceptions, and blocks and was rock solid in duels. 

Johan Mojica – 6.5/10: He also had a decent outing and contributed to attacks by moving forward in addition to defensive duties. 

Midfielders 

Richard Ríos – 6.5/10: Rios was fine as well, with his ball recoveries and won Ariel duels up against the Physical Argentine side.

Jefferson Lerma – 6.5/10: Lerma could have done more as the central midfielder didn’t have much impact. 

Jhon Arias – 7/10: Acted as midfield engine, he was solid in breaking the attacking play of the opposition with his timely tackles on seven occasions. 

Forwards

James Rodriguez -8/10: A standout name, his creative brilliance was out on display, created multiple chances and provided the assist for the first goal. However, he also committed a serious mistake James’s poor back pass led to the equaliser, eventually rectified his mistake by scoring the penalty to restore the lead.

Jhon Durán – 5.5/10: Aston Villa striker failed to replicate his goal-scoring form on International duty, and remained ineffective leading the line alongside Rodriguez and Diaz on either wing. 

Luis Diaz – 6.5/10: The winger made a few bursting runs down the left flank to create trouble from the left side. Showed a glimpse of his scintillating attack through dribbling and launching crosses.

Substitutes 

Kevin Castano – 6/10

John Cordoba -6/10

Juan Cabel – N/A

Juan Camilo Portila – N/A

Manager 

Néstor Lorenzo – 8/10: the Argentine tactician’s gameplan and tactical brilliance simply gave the visitors no chances to make a comeback with high-intensity pressing and quick attacks, his side deservedly won the match. 

Also Read: England vs Finland Player Ratings: Harry Kane scores a brace on his 100th cap in 2-0 win

Argentina National Football Team Player Ratings vs Colombia 

Goalkeeper 

Emiliano Martínez – 5/10: A disappointing game for the shot-stopper between the sticks, as he got beaten twice and conceded two goals courtesy of an excellent header and penalty kick. 

Defenders 

Nicholas Otamendi – 6.5/10: the veteran was solid throughout the game dictating the backline. Apart from giving away a penalty in 2nd half which James slotted to retain their lead. 

Christian Romero – 7/10: Romero emerged as the only bright spot in Argentina’s defence winning 3 tackles and making 4 clearences as many recoveries. 

Lisandro Martínez – 6/10: Played fair on the left side of defence in the three-man backline but failed to deliver the expected performance. 

Midfielders 

Gonzalo Montiel – 5.5/10: A poor overall output on the Right flank, and got substituted for 2nd half action. 

Rodrigo De Paul – 5.5/10: He wasn’t much visible on the pitch, which depicts how poor of involvement he have had in the game.

Leandro Paredes – 6/10: Paredes was fine with his passing maintaining 100% accuracy, however, he didn’t offer much to attack and defence during his 60-minute outing.

Enzo Fernandez – 6/10: The Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez was also disappointed with his outing not having any significant impact. 

Nicolás González – 7.5/10: Nico played decent as a left midfielder, known for providing defensive solidity on flanks, though his offensive attribute came in handy in levelling the scoreline. 

Forwards

Lautaro Martínez – 6/10: Probably one of the best players for La Albiceleste in recent years, but did not do justice to his reputation and lacked criticalness. 

Julian Alvarez – 6.5/10: Hopes were high from Alvarez after scoring a banger in the last match was given the start but again he wasn’t sharp upfront.

Substitutes 

Nahuel Molina – 6.5/10

Marcos Acuna – 6/10

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.5/10

Giovani Lo Celso – 6/10

Paulo Dybala – N/A

Manager 

Lionel Scaloni – 6.5/10: The World Cup-winning head coach did inspire his side to fight back in the second half to level the score. However, the hosts were too determined to take all three points. 

FAQ