BTN News: In a thrilling World Cup qualifying match on September 10, 2024, Colombia triumphed over Argentina 2-1, with James Rodríguez delivering the game-winning penalty. The victory not only boosted Colombia’s position in the standings but also allowed them to avenge their loss to Argentina in the 2024 Copa América final. However, beyond the excitement of the match, a controversial moment involving a possible foul on Luis Díaz went unnoticed, raising questions about what might have happened had the penalty been missed.
James Rodríguez’s Decisive Penalty: Colombia’s Key Moment
James Rodríguez once again proved his mettle as Colombia’s go-to player, stepping up to convert a crucial penalty in the 84th minute. The Colombian playmaker coolly sent the ball past Argentina’s star goalkeeper, Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, sealing Colombia’s 2-1 victory.
What many fans missed, though, was the critical moment just before the ball hit the back of the net. As James struck the penalty, Colombia’s forward Luis Díaz was seen entering the penalty area. He was then shoved to the ground by Argentine defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero. If the penalty had been missed, this foul could have potentially led to another penalty being awarded.
A Controversial Foul Overlooked
The shove from Romero on Luis Díaz went largely unnoticed by the match officials, led by Chilean referee Piero Maza. Although James’ penalty found the target, this physical clash in the box could have led to a dramatic turn of events had the shot not been successful. Despite the apparent foul, no review was called, and the goal stood, leaving fans to debate what might have been if the penalty had been saved or missed.
Colombia’s Revenge for Copa América Loss
This win was particularly significant for Colombia, as it helped them recover from their bitter defeat against Argentina in the Copa América final earlier in the year. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, claimed the Copa América title with a narrow 1-0 victory, leaving Colombia with a deep desire to prove themselves. With this win, Colombia finally got their payback, showcasing their resilience on the road to World Cup qualification.
Current Standings and Future Challenges for Colombia
With the 2-1 win, Colombia now sits second in the South American World Cup qualifying table, amassing 14 points—just behind Argentina, who hold 16 points. This result was part of a strong showing from Colombia, which also includes a recent draw with Peru.
Looking ahead, Colombia is preparing for crucial upcoming matches in October. First, they will travel to El Alto, Bolivia, to face the home team on October 10. Known for its high altitude, El Alto presents a tough challenge for any visiting side. Following this, they will return home to Barranquilla to play Chile on October 15, where they will hope to secure another vital three points.
Upcoming Fixtures for the World Cup Qualifiers
The South American World Cup qualifiers continue with intense matchups on the horizon. Here’s a look at Colombia’s next two fixtures and other key games:
Matchday 9 (October 10, 2024):
- Bolivia vs Colombia (15:00 local time, 2 p.m. in Colombia)
- Ecuador vs Paraguay (16:00)
- Venezuela vs Argentina (16:00)
- Chile vs Brazil (19:00)
- Peru vs Uruguay (20:30)
Matchday 10 (October 15, 2024):
- Colombia vs Chile (15:00)
- Paraguay vs Venezuela (18:00)
- Uruguay vs Ecuador (18:30)
- Argentina vs Bolivia (19:00)
- Brazil vs Peru (19:45)
Colombia’s Road to the 2026 World Cup
As the race for qualification to the 2026 World Cup heats up, Colombia finds themselves in a strong position. Under the guidance of head coach Néstor Lorenzo, the team has shown resilience and tactical prowess. With their sights set on the next set of qualifiers, Colombia will need to continue performing at their best to ensure they secure a place in the prestigious tournament.
