The Colombian national team reached the quarter-finals of the Under-20 World Cup, losing 3–1 against Italy. Héctor Cárdenas’ team, in this match, showed a clear game idea during the tournament, led by many of his players on each line of the field, beyond a discreet presentation.
From the very first game, Luis Marquínez showed that he has the conditions to guard the goal of a national team. Andres Salazar and his work for the band. Gustavo Puerta, Oscar Cortes and Yasser Asprilla provided the talent and goals. All of them were crucial in securing victory in the group round and round of 16.
Marquinez and his efforts to save Colombia
Despite the fact that he played till the quarter-finals, Luis Marquezín was one of the most outstanding goalkeepers in the entire Under-20 World Cup. He had a total of 4.2 saves per game and finished his partnership with 21 saves. They conceded seven goals and all seven were inside their own area. Shots from outside were always contained, there were 11.
In addition, he cleared 10 shots he took in his own zone. He played all five games and scored 1.4 goals per game. In all engagements he was crucial with his saves and prevented several goals. Now, he is confident that Paulo Autuori at Atlético Nacional will provide him with more opportunities in the second half of the year.
Salazar and his contribution on defense and attack on the wing
Andres Salazar earned his place from the South American side and confirmed it in the World Cup. This was vital for the Cárdenas plan to work. On defense, he had 1.6 interceptions per game, made 2.8 successful tackles, and completed 1.6 clearances per game.
Staying on his offensive side, he averaged 1.2 shots per game. He averaged one assist and completed 83.2 passes for every game played. According to Sofascore data, the best performing game was against Senegal where it was rated 7.7. It is expected that he will maintain a good level in Nacional, with whom he has already played in the BetPlay league and the Copa Libertadores.
puerta lead in the middle
Gustavo Puerta knew how to have the captain’s belt in Hector Cárdenas’ team. He converted the winning goal against Israel in the last minute and went on to take the Colombian team to the top of their group. In that engagement he was given a rating of 7.6 by Sofascore.
He averaged 64.2 passes per game to his teammates. His length balls were always a solution when the Tricolor defense was under pressure and he had 4.4 of these sixes per game. His play was more effective in the opponent’s half (88%) than in his own half (75%). His season was not the best with Nürnberg and he now hopes to be taken into consideration by Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen next season.
“We made some mistakes, mistakes are paid for with goals and today we had to pay. But I am happy and proud of the work the team did, we fought till the end, we tried. We have to keep working, this is another experience that has remained for our lives and thanks to all Colombia for always supporting us”, he said after the defeat against Italy.
Cortes’ goals
Oscar Cortes was one of the most prominent on the front of the attack. The Millonarios player kept up his scoring streak and ended the U-20 World Cup with 4 goals, putting him in a battle for the tournament’s top scorer trophy with Italian Cesare Casadei. He converted Israel, Senegal and Slovakia.
In the championship he scored a goal every 107 minutes. He made 1.8 shots per game and also had two assists. He has been selected by FIFA on more than one occasion in recent weeks and a bright future awaits him. It could reach European football next season.
it makes a difference
Yasser Asprilla showed why he already plays in England. 10 always opened the way in the Colombian under 20 national team. When collective play did not appear, the Watford midfielder took advantage of his ability to unlock the opponent’s defense and break down complex lines.
He scored a goal against Japan and a goal against Slovakia, where he had his best performance according to Sofascore data, which gave him a score of 8.3 on the day. He had three shots per game, being one of the guys who tried the most, especially from medium range. He has converted every 180 minutes and is expected to establish himself in England next season or be sold to a top division club.
