The State of Play
Around 12-18 months ago, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was under serious pressure for his job in charge of the national team but La Roja have really turned things around since a 2-0 defeat to Scotland at Hampden Park last March. They won the 2024 UEFA Nations League in the summer and finished their UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying campaign with six successive victories, scoring 22 goals in the process.
Colombia, with some interesting attacking players within their squad such as Luis Diaz and Luis Sinisterra complimenting the experienced heads of James Rodriguz and David Ospina, have performed well at the start of CONMEBOL qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nestor Lorenzo’s side are unbeaten after six matches in South American qualifying and most recently defeated Paraguay by a goal to nil away from home.
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Team News
Ahead of this summer’s tournament, Spain’s biggest issues revolve around solving injury concerns in their midfield. Barcelona duo Pedri and Gavi remain unavailable for De la Fuente and his men.
As mentioned, Colombia have a varied squad with some young attackers and experiences heads but they have had a few withdrawals for this week. Yerry Mina, Cristian Borja, Ian Carlo Poveda and the aforementioned Sinisterra have opted out of the squad.
Expected Line-ups
Spain: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Le Normand, Laporte, Alex Grimaldo; Mikel Merino, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Colombia: David Ospina; Daniel Munoz, Carlos Cuesta, Yerson Mosquera, Johan Mojica; Lerma, Quintero; Asprilla, James, Luis Diaz; Santos Borre
What they Said
The build-up to this international break for Spain has been dominated by Brahim Diaz choosing to play for Morocco and Luis de La Fuente has reacted by saying ‘I absolutely respect Brahim’s decision.’
After beginning his managerial career under the tutelage of Carlos Bilardo and Jose Pekerman, Nestor Lorenzo discussed that this week to say ‘the cradle of the champion guarantees you a champion project.’
When and How to Watch
This match will be played at the London Stadium in London in England at 20:30 on Friday March 22nd but will not be televised live in the UK. It will be able to be streamed live on the Viaplay Sports’ app.
Prediction
Around 12 months or so ago this one would have appeared a lot closer than it may be but Spain have majorly improved, both in terms of performances and results. Having sad that, though, the Spanish are missing some key players in midfield, as well as in attack, and Colombia are in impressive form with a tight defensive record. Given it is being played in a neutral venue, too, it could be a tight and low-scoring encounter with under 3.5 goals quite likely.