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Colombia coach Lorenzo keeps World Cup lineup secret, praises Ghana
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

Colombia coach Lorenzo keeps World Cup lineup secret, praises Ghana

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Colombia's coach, Néstor Lorenzo, declined to reveal his starting lineup for the World Cup match against Ghana.
  • Lorenzo emphasized the high level of all 26 players and the team's focus on winning the game.
  • He acknowledged Ghana's strength, noting that African teams now feature players in top European leagues and are not just physically strong.

Colombia's head coach, Néstor Lorenzo, kept his cards close to his chest regarding the starting lineup for the upcoming World Cup match against Ghana. Speaking at a press conference in Kansas City, the Argentine coach stated that neither he nor the players know who will begin the game. Lorenzo stressed that he has 26 high-level players and will select the best eleven to secure a victory and advance in the tournament.

I will never tell you the players who will be starters, nor do the players know who will play. I have 26 high-level players and we will seek to form the best eleven to go out and win the game and keep advancing in this World Cup.

— Néstor LorenzoExplaining his decision not to reveal the starting lineup for the match against Ghana.

Lorenzo highlighted the intense parity seen throughout the World Cup, noting that matches are unpredictable and physical demands increase with each round due to travel and competition protocols. "It's for anyone. Besides playing well, you need effectiveness and luck," he remarked.

The sensations are that there has been terrible parity. It's for anyone. Besides playing well, you need effectiveness and luck.

— Néstor LorenzoCommenting on the overall competitiveness of the World Cup.

Addressing the opponent, Lorenzo cautioned against outdated stereotypes of African teams. He pointed out that Ghanaian players, like those from Senegal, Algeria, and Morocco, compete in Europe's top clubs. "We can no longer generalize African teams by a special characteristic beyond their physical strength. They play very well," he stated, expecting an intense and organized Ghanaian side.

The players of Ghana, Senegal, Algeria or Morocco play in the best clubs in Europe. We can no longer generalize African teams by a special characteristic beyond their physical strength. They play very well.

— Néstor LorenzoDiscussing the quality and evolution of African football teams.

Despite anticipating an intense rival, Lorenzo admitted uncertainty about Ghana's tactical approach. He also discussed Colombia's preparations to counter counterattacks and protect spaces when their full-backs advance, a key aspect for progressing to the next round. Regarding potential penalty shootouts, Lorenzo affirmed his confidence in starting goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, citing his strong record with penalties.

I don't know if Ghana will present a low block. Maybe they want to surprise or go out to seek the game. I'm not so sure.

— Néstor LorenzoExpressing uncertainty about Ghana's tactical approach.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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