Lorenzo rues Colombia's missing spark after Swiss shootout heartbreak

Colombia's World Cup journey concluded with a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout defeat against Switzerland in the last 16. Despite a tense, goalless draw after extra time, coach Nestor Lorenzo felt his team deserved more from the match.

“

What we lacked, without doubt, was scoring a goal.

"What we lacked, without doubt, was scoring a goal," Lorenzo stated in a brief press conference. He described the game as tight and tactical, with both sides evenly matched. "Even so, I think we deserved a little more in the 90 minutes because of the intentions we had and the shots we took."

“

We knew it was going to be a very closed (down) match, very tactical, very even. Even so, I think we deserved a little more in the 90 minutes because of the intentions we had and the shots we took.

Lorenzo acknowledged the game's rhythm faltered as players tired. He defended his decision to substitute midfielder Jhon Arias, explaining it was due to fatigue and the risk of a second yellow card, which would have ruled him out of a potential quarter-final. Forward Luis Suarez was also replaced late in the game for similar reasons.

“

We were afraid that with one late challenge we could be left with one less player. And energy too.

"We had 15 attempts. That is a lot, and not scoring, you pay for it. There is nothing to reproach. Sometimes the ball goes in and sometimes it doesn't," Lorenzo concluded, reflecting on the missed opportunities that ultimately cost Colombia their place in the tournament.

“

We had 15 attempts. That is a lot, and not scoring, you pay for it. There is nothing to reproach. Sometimes the ball goes in and sometimes it doesn't.