Colombiaโ Secures 2-1 Victory Over New Zealand in World โCup โขQualifying Tune-Up, But Defensive Concerns Emerge
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Colombia continued it’s promising pathโ toward the 2026 World cup withโฃ a hard-fought 2-1 victory over New Zealand on Friday night at Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium. While goals from Gustavoโ Puerta and Johan Carbonero ultimately secured the win, the match exposed vulnerabilities in the โColombian defense, sparkingโ debateโข amongst fans and analysts.
Theโ Cafeteros dominated much of the first half, showcasing a cohesive startingโ eleven underโ the guidance of manager Nรฉstor Lorenzo.However,โ the introduction of substitutes in the second half appeared to disrupt the team’s rhythm, allowingโฃ New Zealand to capitalize with anโ unexpected equalizer in the 79th minute. A swift attack exploited a gap in the Colombian backline, leaving defender Yerry Mina exposed andโ unable to preventโ the cross that led to the goal. (Seeโ goal footage here: โข https://twitter.com/LigasTopFutbol/status/1989879820273025185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Mina, who partnered with Carlos Cuesta in centralโ defense, faced particularly sharp criticism. Whileโข demonstrating strength in individual duels, his lack of pace was exposed on the New Zealand goal, leading to pointed commentaryโ from Colombian football analyst Ivรกn Mejรญa. mejรญa bluntly stated Mina “is good at choreography,” questioning his overall effectiveness as a player.
Despite theโ late defensive lapse and subsequent criticism, Mina partially redeemed himself with a crucial assist for Carbonero’sโ winning goal. However, the error remained a focal point of discussion.
Mina’s position within the โคnational โteam appears secure, largely due to his strong rapport with the squad โฃand consistent availability โdespite past injury concerns. With FIFA potentially allowing expandedโ 30-man rosters for theโฃ 2026โ World Cup, โhis place isโ considered relatively safe.
Puerta was a standout performer, earning praise as theโค best player on the field. His contribution