Soccer-Colombia wary of DR Congo threat as Lorenzo calls for calm heads


Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group K - Uzbekistan v Colombia - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico - June 17, 2026 Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo looks on REUTERS/Eloisa Sanchez

June 22 (Reuters) - Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said ⁠on Monday his side must neutralise DR Congo's ‌counter-attacking threat while maintaining their identity when the teams meet in World Cup Group K on Tuesday in Guadalajara.

The South ​Americans opened with a 3-1 ⁠win over Uzbekistan and ⁠can secure a round of 32 berth with ⁠victory, but ‌Lorenzo warned DR Congo, who drew 1-1 with Portugal in their opener, would ⁠pose a different tactical challenge.

• Congo's 5-3-2 ​formation, with ‌two forwards held high, makes transitions and counter-attacks ⁠the key ​danger to manage, Lorenzo said.

• Luis Diaz scored and assisted against Uzbekistan and Lorenzo praised the Bayern ⁠Munich forward's versatility.

• "The important thing ​is not how many times he attacks, but how the moves finish," Lorenzo said of Diaz. "Lucho is a ⁠complete forward."

• Lorenzo said he had no major selection doubts and declined to name his lineup.

• Lorenzo urged his players to channel the crowd's ​energy without losing composure, after ⁠several were visibly moved against Uzbekistan at the Azteca ​Stadium.

• "We have to play with ‌a hot heart and a ​cool head," he said.

(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico CityEditing by Christian Radnedge)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Others Also Read