Colombia slumped to an unexpected defeat against Japan in their World Cup opener, losing 2-1 after seeing midfielder Carlos Sanchez sent off early in the game for a handball.
Though the rest of the team performed admirably after that to keep themselves in contention of pulling off a battling result, they came up just short.
Here’s how the players rated.
STARTING XI
David Ospina 6 – Might wonder if he could have dealt with the corner for Japan’s second goal, when he initially came off his line before retreating.. Pulled off a handful of good saves otherwise.
Santiago Arias 5 – Partially at fault for Japan’s winner, as he was beaten in the air along with his team-mate Murillo. That moment could cost Colombia dearly at this tournament.
Davinson Sanchez 5 – Lost Yuya Osako in the build-up to Carlos Sanchez’s fateful handball. Not particularly assured but did grow into the game thereafter.
Oscar Murillo 5 – Will be disappointed with the way he was beaten for Japan’s second goal off a corner kick, when he was arguably the favourite to win the ball.
Johan Mojica 6 – Hard to fault the young left-back for his display. Defended well, and attacked as much as he could given Colombia’s numerical disadvantage.
Jefferson Lerma 6 – Did a good job of attempting to repair the damage done by midfield colleague Sanchez with a robust display, although it ended up being in vain.
Carlos Sanchez 0 – It doesn’t get worse than an early red card. The manner of it – a reckless handball in the box – was particularly galling, especially from a veteran player.
Juan Cuadrado 4 – His early substitution was largely down to Sanchez’s red card, but it should sting that a player known for pace and workhorse-like qualities, ideal for a team down to 10 men, was the one taken off.
Juan Quintero 9 – An utterly brilliant game from the 25-year-old. Found teammates in dangerous positions with some clever passing, and his free-kick was a moment of genius.
Jose Izquierdo 5 – Saw his impact nullified after Colombia went down to ten men, although he could have done better to get in the game.
Radamel Falcao 6 – Led the line admirably, offering an out ball whenever possible, and came close to scoring with a couple of half-chances.
SUBSTITUTES
Wilmar Barrios 6 – Brought on in the first half to add solidity after Colombia went down to ten men, which he did.
James Rodriguez 6 – Missed out on a starting berth due to injury and although he looked desperate to rescue his team once they went behind again, nothing really came off.
Carlos Bacca 5 – A bold substitution from Jose Pekerman but one that didn’t really pay off, as the striker rarely got a sniff of goal.
