Set pieces continue to shine.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t James Rodríguez delivering the service. Instead, Luis Díaz recorded his first assist since Colombia’s 6–3 tournament-clinching win over Venezuela last year. Davinson Sanchez dashed through the 6-yard box, past the marking of Jeyland Mitchell, and placed a glancing header towards the inside of the right post.

Dead-ball situations were crucial during Colombia’s run to the 2024 Copa América final, with four set-piece goals (excluding penalties), all assisted by James. Expect Colombia to continue depending on the left-footed magic provided by the Copa’s 2024 MVP.

Defensive issues continue to affect confidence.

Andrey Soto’s goal comes from a lack of focus and communication within Colombia’s back-line and defensive midfield, a common theme throughout the first half. Yes, this was a mixed squad made of starters and bench players, but these issues have persisted since the friendlies following World Cup qualifying.

Lorenzo continues to play with an extremely high line, highlighted by fullbacks Johan Mojica and Santiago Arias creating overlapping runs for wingers Luis Díaz and Andrés Gómez. This leaves veteran Davinson Sánchez and Willer Ditta isolated to defend counterattacks. Costa Rica’s central striker, Manfred Ugalde, posed a dangerous threat by winning various duels and registering the most shots in the match.

Despite holding just 31 percent possession, Costa Rica generated most of its chances through direct balls over the top and into the path of Ugalde. Confusion between the Colombian centerback pairing, along with a lack of support from the double-pivots in Gustavo Puerta and Richard Ríos, created nine shots for Los Ticos. Patrick Sequeira, the visiting team’s goalkeeper, attempted fourteen long balls. Using his strength, Ugalde was able to win half of his aerial duels against the much taller centerback duo.

Left-footed centerback Jhon Lucumí was subbed on for Sanchez, and Ditta switched to his more comfortable role as right centerback. Ditta had a goal-line clearance around the hour mark, which proved to be his last major action before Yerry Mina entered for the final fifteen minutes. The defensive mishaps were minimal, as the 6’5” veteran won every aerial duel that came his way.

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The stars must step up.

The first half proved that Colombia’s run will become dependent on the performance of their star players.

Jorge Carrascal lacked creativity and drive throughout his 45 minutes on the pitch against a weaker Costa Rica. A player occupying that #10 role cannot be afraid to move the ball forward or take risks when needed. Colombia was unable to find its rhythm within the midfield.

The moments of brilliance came from Luis Diaz, the most important player on the squad, as the Bayern Munich star scored a goal, an assist, and landed an impressive 8.8 Fotmob rating. Lucho moved freely throughout the pitch after the first goal and was able to form chances closer towards midfield instead of his typical left-winger position.

One of the night’s most entertaining moments came when Díaz left Haxzel Quirós on the ground and spun Jeyland Mitchell around before delivering a no-look pass that Carrascal ultimately sent off target. Díaz found himself on his backside in the process (Gol Caracol’s Carlos Alberto Morales described it as part of the skill move!)

The lack of reps is catching up to James.

Don’t get me wrong, the creativity was seen very quickly when he stepped onto the pitch, and this was further reinforced by Juan Fernando Quintero’s entrance with 15 minutes left to play. Not many players could have created the assist for Luis Suarez, who scored the third and final goal of the match. These moments are what still make him a national team superstar, and the World Cup is built for said moments.

Regardless, James is far from the form he presented during the magical Copa America run a few summers ago. Tonight, after only a few minutes of being on the pitch, he looked slow and short of match fitness, often slowing the game down rather than serving as the engine that propels Colombia forward.

Since his signing with Minnesota United in February, he’s played a total of 194 minutes of MLS play under Cameron Knowles. Since the turn of the calendar, he’s only started in two matches.

All things considered, James continues to prove contrary to those who doubt him. Whenever he pulls on Colombia’s No. 10 shirt, James still finds a way to elevate those around him. The nation will be banking on him delivering another magical World Cup performance, twelve years after his breakthrough tournament in Brazil.

Colombia faces Jordan at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on Sunday night, four days before the World Cup begins. Jordan enters after a rainy 4–1 loss to Switzerland, while Colombia looks to carry momentum into its tournament opener against Uzbekistan.