Photo Credit: AP

James Rodriguez and Yerson Mosquera lead Los Cafeteros to a thrilling victory over the world champions.• Match Highlights:

In a fiercely contested FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier, Colombia defeated Argentina 2-1 in a match packed with drama, skill, and high stakes. The victory not only avenged their Copa America 2024 final loss but also strengthened Colombia’s position in the CONMEBOL standings, trailing Argentina by just two points.

Key Highlights of the Match

• 25’ – GOAL! Yerson Mosquera puts Colombia ahead after a brilliant corner setup by James Rodriguez.

• 48’ – Equalizer! Argentina’s Nico Gonzalez capitalizes on a misplaced pass and equalizes with a clinical finish.

• 60’ – Penalty Power! James Rodriguez converts a VAR-awarded penalty to secure the victory.

The Game’s Turning Points

Colombia opened the scoring in the 25th minute when captain James Rodriguez set up Yerson Mosquera with a perfectly executed corner routine. The world champions, Argentina, quickly responded in the second half as Nico Gonzalez showcased his brilliance, leveling the scoreline.

The decisive moment came in the 60th minute when Daniel Munoz was brought down in the penalty box. After VAR intervention, Colombia earned a penalty, and Rodriguez stepped up, delivering a thunderous shot into the top corner.

¡Mano, tengo una Libertadores! 🇻🇪 pic.twitter.com/dVMpHj06q5

— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) November 30, 2024

Colombia’s Rise in the Rankings

The win lifted Colombia to second place in the CONMEBOL standings with 16 points from eight matches, just two behind leaders Argentina. This result reinforces Colombia’s status as a strong contender for the 2026 World Cup, with stellar performances from Rodriguez and Mosquera.

Player Performances

• James Rodriguez: A true leader, Rodriguez created multiple opportunities and scored the decisive penalty.

• Yerson Mosquera: His early goal set the tone for the match, and he was solid defensively throughout.

• Nico Gonzalez (Argentina): The lone scorer for La Albiceleste, Gonzalez’s pace and finishing kept Argentina in the game.

Looking Ahead

Colombia will travel to Bolivia for their next qualifier, while Argentina faces Venezuela. With Lionel Messi and Argentina aiming to bounce back, all eyes will be on the next fixtures.

This victory also highlighted the potential of Colombia, a team that has remained unbeaten in 28 matches, showcasing their depth and resilience.

Head-to-Head Stats: Argentina vs. Colombia

• Matches Played: 43

• Argentina Wins: 26

• Colombia Wins: 9

• Draws: 8

Conclusion

Colombia’s triumph over the world champions proves they are a force to be reckoned with. With James Rodriguez leading from the front, Los Cafeteros have set their sights on World Cup glory, while Argentina will regroup to reclaim their dominance.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights on FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers!

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