Colombia vs. Peru World Cup Qualifiers 2018 Analysis: What We Learned From Colombia's 2-0 Win
Colombia enjoyed a 2-0 win at home over Peru to get its World Cup qualifying campaign off to the right start. Here are some takeaways from the game for Los Cafeteros.
Teofilo Gutierrez Steps Up
He was left on the bench to start the Copa America despite having a solid regular season in Argentina. Now he got his chance to make it count and he shone, scoring the goal that proved to be the winner. Most impressive of all was that he managed to nod the ball home after it had been headed in his direction, a wondrous sight of reflexes.
He was making solid runs throughout the game and was only taken off with some sort of knock.
Falcao & Carlos Bacca Disappoints
While Gutierrez flourished, Bacca disappointed as his striking partner. The forward had a number of prime scoring opportunities but continually blew them. Most emblematic of his performance came in the latter moments when he was fed at the edge of the box by Juan Cuadrado for a clear shot. He fired it but hit a Peruvian defender, a huge miss that could have been disastrous if Peru had evened the score.
As for Radamel Falcao, there is really little to say at this point. The former superstar was an eyesore to say the least. His first touch failed him repeatedly and he squandered possession every single time he got the ball.
He did however provide a solid run on the final counter attack, drawing two defenders toward him and opening space for Edwin Cardona to fire home.
Frank Fabra Impresses
The leftback enjoyed an impressive debut for the national side, making one impressive tackle after another. He did not provide a tremendous amount going forward, but was very responsible and bailed out his teammates on a number of occasions. He came in the clutch at the final moment of the game kicking the ball away off the goal line with the score still at 1-0.
David Ospina Overcomes Arsenal
After the calamitous mistake in the Champions League, David Ospina could be a huge liability. Just ask Iker Casillas how one major mistake could ruin a goalie's psyche. However, Ospina rebounded for his nation, putting up a strong performance, looking good at catching aerial crosses and making timely saves for Colombia when it counted most.
Juan Cuadrado Steps Up as Creative Star
No James Rodriguez, no problem. Cuadrado started the game in a free role, occupying the right flank and the middle of the pitch to help create chances for Colombia. Early on he looked to dribble a bit too much, but by the end he was running in one direction and creating a tremendous amount of scoring chances as a result.
Late in the game he drifted to the right wing and continued his impressive work, particularly in the dying minutes when stopped a ball from hurling out of bounds, cut inside and fed Bacca for a clear chance at goal.