Two months, that is exactly what is missing for the Colombian national team to compete again in the qualifying round for the World Cup in Qatar, in search of a justification, to pave the way after the two hard defeats against Uruguay and Ecuador. Two months for, in addition, Reinaldo Rueda to be released again as national coach and against the rival that no one wants to start with: Brazil. And two months for the players to be fully in their clubs. So far, the weekend has been encouraging, with goals and assistance to motivate the new manager.
Rueda, who was officially introduced last Tuesday, should have already started a detailed analysis of each of the players who will be part of his selection, which will certainly be structured from the same base as Carlos Queiroz.
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Between now and March 25, he needs these men to be in optimal condition, with continuity of play, without injuries or at least without long absences. This is what is wanted when DT has just arrived and does not have time to meet the players beforehand and will not be able to do enough training and even less will have friendly, because there are no FIFA windows for that. But for now, two months away, Rueda is full of good news.
James and Mina showed up
If Reinaldo Rueda wants a dose of peace, he needs his main man, James Rodríguez, to be at the highest level, playing, creating and showing himself, that is, motivated. Yesterday, James was active with Everton, who beat Sheffield 3-0 on Wednesday and advanced to the English FA Cup and was key, with precise passes and two assists.
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His pass, in goal, ended with a goal by Richarlison which was canceled out in the first half. But in the second half he took it out on two luxury centers, in a few corner kicks that found goalkeepers in the area.
First of all, Richarlison. And then his compatriot Yerry Mina, who is another who wants to be in top shape for Rueda’s analysis. The mine raised the level and yesterday he put the cherry with his own forehead, showing that, with him on the field, the aim in the air is a latent weapon. Everton won, qualified, and the Colombian couple excelled.
But when it comes to goals, the good news for Reinaldo Rueda is that he scored in the attack, just a goal.
Duván does not fail
Duván Zapata continues with a series of goals.
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The turn was for Duván Zapata, who scored again and made it in Atalanta’s victory against Milan, 0-3, in Italian football. This is already his eighth goal of the Serie A season, confirming that his score level is constant. His goal on Saturday is in addition to the good series brought by his colleague Luis Fernando Muriel, who reached his 11th goal this week during the week and had a splendid start to the year, with five goals in just one month. January. And who never plays the 90 minutes. So the men in Atalanta remain at their best.
They provide the peace of mind that Columbia will need in two months, especially when Falcao García is still not reappearing due to his injury. That’s why other unusual men are motivated to see if they get the call, such as striker Jhon Córdoba, who scored Hertha Berlin’s defeat in Germany on Saturday. Or Luis Suárez, the striker who already had the chance with the national team and scored yesterday with Granada from Spain, although his team lost against Osasuna (3-1).
There are other footballers who, without scoring, also fill the coach with silence. One of them is Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, who continues to shine every day in Italy. His recent positive for covid-19 slowed him down, but not his performance; back, he has already played two games and excelled in both. He did it in the middle of the week with assistance included in Juventus’ victory against Napoli in the Italian Super Cup final, and yesterday he scored another goal, in the victory against Bologna (2-0).
Square assisted McKennie in the 71st minute. So he maintains his consistency, although as a straight defender. It remains to be seen in what position DT Rueda can locate him.
So, the key men, the main ones, fill the Colombian national team with reasons to demand a tie in two months. It will depend on maintaining them and hopefully increasing their level. And that the others join that chain of good news for the new coach.
PABLO ROMERO
Editor THE WEATHER
@PabloRomeroET