Lorenzo: Colombia faces 'very tough' World Cup match against Switzerland

Colombia's coach, Néstor Lorenzo, has described the upcoming Round of 16 match against Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup as "very tough," but affirmed that his team will approach it with "the utmost seriousness and commitment."

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It's going to be a very tough match against a good team.

"It's going to be a very tough match against a good team," the Argentine coach admitted during a press conference ahead of the game at Vancouver's BC Place. Colombia is the only team to have played in all three host countries during the tournament, a condition Lorenzo stated they are managing day by day to minimize its impact on the squad. He noted the challenges of travel, including time zone changes, varying climates, and shifts between humidity and altitude.

Lorenzo praised Switzerland's tactical discipline, their effectiveness in both attack and defense, and the systematic nature of their play, which he attributes to years of practice. He also pointed out that Switzerland benefits from having a coach who has been with the team for five years, leading to a high level of experience and cohesion.

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No team reaches the knockout rounds by chance, and we expect a very challenging match.

Confirming the team's injury status, Lorenzo announced that John Córdoba will miss the remainder of the tournament due to a muscle tear. However, he assured that the rest of the squad is prepared to face their destiny. Lorenzo rejected the notion that the team owes anything from this match, stating, "We lacked luck, but not commitment in any way; we approach all matches with the utmost seriousness and dedication."

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We lacked luck, but not commitment in any way; we approach all matches with the utmost seriousness and dedication.

He plans to approach the game as a "90-minute battle" and will make decisions as needed to adapt to potential extra time or penalties. Lorenzo expressed his hope that, regardless of the outcome, the Colombian people will feel proud and satisfied with the team's performance. "It's not good for people to be happy or unhappy based on a team's result, but the responsibility to bring joy to our people is good, and that's why the players give their all," he concluded.

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It's not good for people to be happy or unhappy based on a team's result, but the responsibility to bring joy to our people is good, and that's why the players give their all.