MINUTE BY MINUTE
The friendly in Korea showcased Colombia under the guidance of Néstor Lorenzo as they continued their preparations for a global stage beyond 2023. This match marked the second official test of the year for the Colombian squad, built around the core of players who have become symbols of the country’s golden generation. The encounter provided a real measure of how the group has adapted to Lorenzo’s philosophy since taking charge, and it offered a clear picture of what the team expects to bring to future international fixtures.
Colombia traveled to the pitch with a clear mission: sustain the momentum gained in the late stages of 2022 and lay down a robust pathway toward the 2026 World Cup. That aim stays at the heart of Lorenzo’s project, which emphasizes cohesion, pressing intensity, and quick transitions that exploit the speed and creativity of the forward line. The opponent, South Korea, arrived buoyed by a recent robust run of form and the experience of competing against top levels of football across Asia and Europe. This clash provided a valuable benchmark for both sides as they fine-tuned their setups ahead of more demanding matchups later in the cycle.
In terms of personnel, Colombia lined up a squad anchored by veterans who have repeatedly proven their ability to perform on the biggest stages. The frame of the team relied on a balance between disciplined defenders and a midfield unit capable of controlling tempo while feeding the attack with incisive passes. The forward line, known for its movement and goal threat, looked to stretch the Korean backline and create scoring opportunities through vertical runs and smart combinations in and around the penalty area. The management of substitutions and the way minutes were distributed hinted at a strategic approach to preserving freshness while testing alternatives for different tactical scenarios as the campaign progresses.
South Korea, meanwhile, fielded a compact and well-organized lineup designed to frustrate opponents who favor a quick, possession-based approach. The defense aimed to stay compact, denying space for the Colombian forwards while allowing their own creative players to build from the back. In midfield, the team sought to control the central channels and supply a steady stream of balls to the attackers, with an emphasis on vertical progression through the middle to exploit any gaps created behind the second line. The overall game plan reflected a mix of patience in build-up and danger in transition, a familiar template chosen to match up with aggressive front runners from Colombia.
The friendly produced moments of build-up play where neat passing sequences progressed along the flanks before delivering crosses or cutbacks into dangerous zones. It also featured fast breaks where either side attempted to exploit space behind full-backs or between central defenders. The outcome served as a reminder that, while preparation matches can be theatrical at times, they rarely mirror the intensity and precision of competitive fixtures. Still, the performance offered encouraging indicators about both teams’ tactical reads and their ability to translate training-ground ideas into on-pitch actions, a promising sign for fans and staff alike. (Goal)
Colombia’s squad depth was evident in the way players stepped in to maintain balance, with substitutes providing energy, pressing vigor, and fresh options in attacking transitions. South Korea’s bench also contributed real value, offering different looks that could shift the dynamics of the game when needed. The exchange demonstrated the importance of adaptability in modern international football, where teams must align technical goals with the physical demands of demanding international schedules. (Goal)
Colombia: Vargas; Muñoz, Cuesta, Lucumí, Mojica; Uribe, Castaño; Valoyes, Rodríguez, Carrascal; Ibarra; Rueda. Colombia
South Korea: Seung-gyu Kim; Kim Tae-Hwan, Woo-Young Jung, Kim Min-jae, Jin-Su Kim; Kim Young-Gwon, Hwang In-beom; Woo-Yeong Jeong, Lee Jae-sung, Heung-Min Son; Cho Gue-Sung. South Korea