Before facing Portugal in the 2026 World Cup
Colombia coach warns of the danger of Vitinha and Ronaldo
Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said that his team will need to show special tactical discipline in the decisive Group 11 match in the FIFA World Cup against Portugal next Sunday, to deal with the threats posed by Vitinha and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Colombia needs to avoid defeat to top the group, but Lorenzo is not taking anything for granted against a team he considers one of the favorites to win the World Cup.
He told reporters on Friday, “We will try to maintain our football style and identity. But without a doubt, we have to pay attention to the other characteristics and advantages that (Portugal) has. It is a very well-trained team. They have a world-class coach and players in football… and this clearly shows in their style of play.”
Lorenzo said that he would have preferred to face a team of Portugal’s level at a later stage in the tournament, but he carefully analyzed the team’s performance since the draw was announced.
He added, “Both Vitinha and Ronaldo are decisive players. The first is in organizing the game and the quality of playmaking, and the second is in finishing attacks. Therefore, we cannot, in any way, leave them alone or neglect them. I hope that the team’s collective performance will be harmonious.”
“I think we need a special tactical discipline to counter both the way Vitinha starts and controls the tempo of the team’s play, and Ronaldo’s ability to score, which requires special attention.” After collecting six points from two victories over Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia has already secured a return to the knockout stage for the first time since 2018 after failing to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.
Finishing at the top of the group will lead to facing a weaker competitor in the round of 32, and Lorenzo said that he will not pretend that he has not thought about Colombia’s possible path during the tournament.
He said, “We enter this match with an advantage, but we hope that we will play a great match and win it, because this match carries great importance. Without a doubt, we are all thinking about (our path in the tournament). Without a doubt, we believe that it suits us, and we will try to lead the group.”
The coach added that he will not make many changes to his team’s lineup in preparation for the match that will be held in the stadium where Colombia lost the 2024 Copa America final to Argentina, ending an unbeaten streak that lasted 28 matches under Lorenzo’s leadership.
“When I was appointed, they asked me to qualify, and now we want more. So, we will reach the highest level and leave Colombia in the best possible place,” he said.
