Colombia closed out their World Cup warm-up schedule on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Jordan in San Diego, a polished final tune-up that was more about rhythm, confidence, and staying healthy than chasing spectacle. Jhon Arias scored both goals, and most importantly for Néstor Lorenzo’s staff, the team emerged without injuries as they head into a World Cup full of ambition.
The result rounded out a strong build-up for a side that now looks ready to compete for the top spot in a group featuring Portugal, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo. Colombia’s opening match comes against Uzbekistan on June 17 in Mexico City, meaning it’s more than a week until they play again. Their first two matches are in Mexico before the marquee meeting with Portugal in Miami, which is shaping up to be the hottest ticket of the tournament and the most expensive of the group stage.
Colombia Dictates Play Against Jordan
Against Jordan, Colombia looked organized, patient, and comfortable in control for long stretches. The match in San Diego, played in front of 24,000 Colombian fans, never really felt like a highly competitive contest. It had the feel of a celebration for La Sele rather than a stern test against a side making its World Cup debut. Jordan defended bravely and maintained a clear structure, but they also lacked enough attacking variety to truly punish Colombia. They created a couple of awkward chances, yet Colombia mostly handled the danger without stress. Jordan, with limited attacking options, may struggle in their group with the star packed Argentina, and solid Austria and Algeria sides.
That clean defensive performance mattered just as much as the goals. Colombia had already shown in their first warm-up game, a 3-1 win over a lackluster Costa Rica, a team that missed out on the World Cup, in Bogotá’s El Campín, that they can score against organized opposition. In that game, Luis Suárez (Sporting CP), Dávinson Sánchez, and Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich) all found the net, but the back line also showed some vulnerabilities that would be costly against elite World Cup teams. The Jordan match offered a more reassuring picture, with Colombia looking steadier and more in control at the back.
There are still selection questions for Lorenzo to sort out before the tournament begins. Gustavo Puerta has pushed to claim a starting role in midfield, while Richard Ríos has not been at his sharpest. Luis Díaz remains a dangerous wide option, even if his influence can be limited at times when he is isolated on the wing. James Rodríguez is still the natural starting No. 10, though his current form and fitness remain a concern, even if his ceiling, in terms of footballing magic, is still higher than almost anyone else in the squad.
In defense, Camilo Vargas appears set to start in goal ahead of Álvaro Montero, with Jhon Lucumí and Dávinson Sánchez looking like the center-back pairing. At right back, veteran Santiago Arias may be edging Daniel Muñoz on current form, despite his age. Off the bench, a young Andrés Gómez offers pace and directness, while Juan Fernando Quintero remains the player setup to spell James in the #10 role.
Colombia did not just beat Jordan; they used the match to resolve some lingering questions heading into the tournament. They are still entering the World Cup with questions, but also with momentum, depth, and a real belief that this squad can navigate their group and be a real factor in the knockout stage.
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
