Missed chances will be costly in World Cup knockouts, warns Colombia coach

MIAMI – Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo was proud of his team’s dominance for much of their 0-0 draw with Portugal in their final group match on June 27, but warned that there would be a price to pay for squandering so many chances in the World Cup’s knockout phase.

After wins over Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the draw sent Colombia into the round of 32 as Group K winners and set up a clash with Ghana in Kansas City on July 3.

For all their brilliant attacking verve from midfield and the wings, however, the Colombians were unable to get the ball into the net until a late header from centre-back Davinson Sanchez. It was ruled out for offside.

“These are teams with elite players, and if you miss so many chances, you’ll suffer a bit more than today,” Lorenzo warned.

“We were okay with that draw. We still finished at the top of the group. We tried hard against Congo, we only had one goal, and today we couldn’t do it.

“So we wish we had been able to finish, but the performance was very good, and I’m grateful to the players.”

One of the most pleasing aspects for Lorenzo was that Colombia were able to launch so many attacks without leaving themselves exposed at the back.

“Our counter-attacks were good with speed that required significant defensive transition, but there is always a sensation of danger until you counter,” he said.

“I believe we were spectacular in the way in which we did that. We marked up really well after attacks. I believe Davinson and (defensive midfielder Jefferson) Lerma, they had great matches.

“I believe we were always able to support our fullbacks and had attack positions, and we did not suffer so much in the counter.”

Lorenzo was asked whether his team’s fine performance against one of Europe’s stronger teams would raise expectations too high in Colombia.

“Truth be told, I believe people are hopeful,” he said.

“The other day I said that when they hired me, they hired me to qualify, and now people want you to win the World Cup.

“So there is hope, we also are hopeful, but you have to take it one match at a time.”

Meanwhile, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his skipper played another 90 minutes against Colombia, while the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.

Leading scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group game while Norway’s Erling Haaland was rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every game.

The 41-year-old forward has faced criticism for his lack of contribution in Portugal games, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team tracks back, but Martinez dismissed comparisons with other players’ game-time.

“Obviously, we don’t compare players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,” he told reporters.

“I can tell you that we monitor all the (player) information that we get live during the games.

“There are different positions on the pitch that need different needs and we monitor that down to the detail.

“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in his position.

“There is no issue, physically or mentally, for Cristiano in today’s game to play the 90 minutes. Maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that’s like any other player.”

Next up for Portugal in the last 32 are Croatia in Toronto. REUTERS