Colombia commenced their Copa America campaign with a narrow 1-0 win against Ecuador. Los Cafeteros scored a brilliantly worked free-kick right before halftime, with Edwin Cardona finding the scoresheet. Here are the five talking points from the game.
A brilliantly orchestrated free-kick from Colombia
The way Colombia got onto the scoresheet was extraordinary as they orchestrated a stunning set-piece. Cardona decided to exchange a series of passes before finding the nets. Colombian coach Rueda also admitted that the players have been trying to emulate the free-kick tricks they have been practising on the training ground.
Rueda continues his impressive run.
Reinaldo Rueda took charge as Colombian manager earlier this January and has since been impressive. The former Chile gaffer, who is yet to face a defeat, will look to push the boundaries in this year’s Copa America.
A total of 35 fouls was recorded
The game between Colombia and Ecuador saw nothing spectacular other than the free-kick goal. A quirky stat of the game was that both the team combined to record 35 fouls, implying that the referee had a busy day at the office.
Ecuador lacked precision in the final third
Ecuador had control of the game for the larger parts of the second half and were the better side in dominating the possession. However, visitors rarely troubled Colombian’s defence and goalkeeper David Ospina. Furthermore, the defeat also marked Ecuador’s third consecutive loss in a row.
Rueda aiming success without James Rodriguez and Quintero
Colombin will be missing the services of playmakers James Rodriguez and Juan Fernando Quintero, who were influential to the team’s success over the years, in this year’s Copa America. However, Rueda will look to maximise the chances with a handful of options like Duvan Zapata, Cuadrado, Rafael Santos Borre and Luis Muriel.
