Match Overview
Colombia secured a 2-1 victory over New Zealand in an international friendly played at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The match was a test of resilience and tactical discipline, with both teams showcasing their strengths ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures.
- Gustavo Puerta opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, giving Colombia an early advantage.
- Benjamin Old equalized for New Zealand in the 80th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
- Johan Carbonero sealed the win in the 88th minute, punishing New Zealand’s defense with a decisive strike.
First Half Highlights
- Colombia started aggressively, pressing high and forcing New Zealand into mistakes.
- Puerta’s goal came from a well-timed cross by Jhon Arias, which disrupted New Zealand’s defensive shape.
- Despite Colombia’s dominance in possession, they failed to convert several chances that could have extended their lead.
Second Half Drama
- New Zealand regrouped after halftime, showing better organization and counter-attacking intent.
- Substitute Benjamin Old made an immediate impact, scoring in the 80th minute to level the match.
- Just when the game seemed destined for a draw, Carbonero’s late strike in the 88th minute ensured Colombia walked away with the win.
Tactical Insights
- Colombia (Coach Néstor Lorenzo): Focused on quick transitions and wing play, with Arias and Carbonero stretching the defense.
- New Zealand: Relied on compact defending and counter-attacks, but struggled to contain Colombia’s pace in wide areas.
Key Performers
- Gustavo Puerta: His early goal set the tone and gave Colombia confidence.
- Benjamin Old: Injected energy into New Zealand’s attack and scored the equalizer.
- Johan Carbonero: The hero of the night, his composure in the final minutes secured Colombia’s victory.
Match Significance
- For Colombia, the win highlights their attacking depth and ability to respond under pressure.
- For New Zealand, the performance showed promise, especially their fighting spirit to equalize late in the game.
- Both teams, bound for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, gained valuable experience from this clash.
Highlights & Goals
Fans can watch the full highlights and goals of the match, including Puerta’s opener, Old’s equalizer, and Carbonero’s dramatic winner, on YouTube.
In summary, Johan Carbonero’s late strike gave Colombia a thrilling 2-1 win over New Zealand, underlining their attacking prowess and resilience in international friendlies.
