Colombia’s World Cup tune-up revealed a combination that could be one of the tournament’s biggest stories

The wait is over. World Cup season has arrived, and Colombia’s national team celebrated its traditional farewell match at El Campín Stadium in Bogotá with a convincing 3-1 victory over Costa Rica in front of more than 30,000 supporters. The game also gave head coach Néstor Lorenzo an opportunity to test different combinations and hand minutes to most of the players selected for the tournament.

The opening stages were tightly contested. Colombia controlled possession, but Costa Rica sat deep and made it difficult for the hosts to create clear chances. Luis Díaz and Juan Camilo Hernández looked to unlock the defense through individual plays, receiving passes threaded through from midfield.

Despite Colombia’s promising start, the first real opportunity fell to Costa Rica. Aarón Salazar broke down the left flank, drove toward goal and, after entering the penalty area, curled an effort just wide of the post.

Colombia feeds off Bogotá energy

Colombia responded immediately and opened the scoring with their first meaningful attack. Following a corner delivered by Luis Díaz, Davinson Sánchez beat his marker to the ball and powered a header past goalkeeper Kevin Chamorro Sequeira, giving the home side a deserved lead.

The goal boosted Colombia’s confidence, and the second arrived in the 23rd minute. After capitalizing on a Costa Rican mistake while playing out from the back, Carlos Andrés Gómez won possession. Richard Ríos and Gustavo Puerta combined in the buildup before Luis Díaz cut inside and fired a precise shot into the net to double the advantage.

Costa Rica pulled one back 10 minutes later. Mora drove directly at the Colombian defense before finding Orlando Galo on the wing. His cross led to a pair of headers inside the box, and Soto eventually guided the ball home from close range. Camilo Vargas reacted quickly but had little chance of stopping the effort.

Colombia managed the remainder of the first half comfortably and emerged with greater attacking intent after the break following the introductions of Jhon Arias, Luis Javier Suárez, Jhon Lucumí and captain James Rodríguez. The changes had an immediate impact, and the Díaz-Suárez-James partnership offered a glimpse of what Colombia hopes to showcase at the World Cup.

Colombia control and a striker’s finish

With the World Cup opener now just 16 days away, Colombia adopted a more measured approach as the second half progressed. Without abandoning its attacking identity, the team focused on protecting the lead and circulating possession in the opposition half while searching for openings.

The final blow came from the team’s leading scorer. James Rodríguez produced a brilliant long-range pass from his own half into the path of Luis Suárez, who timed his run perfectly, outmuscled his defender and unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike. The shot crashed off the crossbar and into the net in the 81st minute, sealing the 3-1 victory.

When is Colombia’s next friendly game?

Colombia will remain in training camp in Bogotá until June 4 before traveling to San Diego for a second FIFA international window friendly against Jordan. The match will serve as the final step before the team officially begins its World Cup journey.

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