Colombia Defeats Costa Rica 3-1 in Pre-World Cup Friendly with Luis Díaz Starring

Colombia concluded their home preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a convincing 3-1 victory over Costa Rica in Bogotá. Liverpool winger Luis Díaz was the standout performer, contributing a goal and an assist to ensure a winning send-off for the home crowd at the Estadio El Campín.

The match, which served as a final tune-up before Colombia’s journey to the United States, saw Néstor Lorenzo’s side take control despite a slow start. The Colombians will now travel to the U.S. for their last preparatory match against Jordan in San Diego on June 7th.

Early Stages and Opening Goal

The initial minutes of the game were characterized by a midfield battle, with neither team able to establish dominance. Costa Rica had an early chance when Manfred Ugalde received the ball in the area, turned, and fired a shot that narrowly missed the left post.

However, Colombia began to find their rhythm, pushing closer to the opponent’s goal. Their pressure paid off in the 17th minute when Luis Díaz delivered a corner kick that found Davinson Sánchez. The defender met the ball with a header, beating his marker to open the scoring.

Díaz Doubles the Lead

Just six minutes later, Colombia extended their advantage. Fernán Faerrón of Costa Rica lost possession under pressure from Carlos Andrés Gómez. Gómez then set up Jorge Carrascal, who in turn found Luis Díaz. The Liverpool star calmly finished with a cross-shot to make it 2-0 in the 23rd minute.

Costa Rica responded and tested Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas with a shot from distance by Ugalde in the 26th minute, but Vargas made a comfortable save.

Costa Rica Pulls One Back

The Central American side managed to reduce the deficit in the 33rd minute. A well-worked team move saw Orlando Galo send in a cross that Josimar Alcocer headed across goal to Andrey Soto, who also headed the ball into the net, beating the Colombian goalkeeper.

Second Half Substitutions and Tactical Adjustments

The second half began with a similar stop-start pattern, disrupted by fouls from both sides. Colombia introduced James Rodríguez, among other substitutions, aiming to regain control and momentum. Costa Rica, meanwhile, continued to press and nearly found an equalizer in the 62nd minute when a defensive error by Johan Mojica left Orlando Galo with a clear shot on the edge of the area. However, the effort was cleared off the goal line by Colombian defender Willer Ditta.

Colombia Seals the Victory

The introduction of Luis Suárez, who plays for Sporting CP, proved decisive. In the 82nd minute, James Rodríguez threaded a pass through to Suárez. The striker used his physicality to outmaneuver his marker and fired an unstoppable shot past the Costa Rican goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira, sealing the 3-1 victory for Colombia.

The Colombian squad will depart for the United States this week for their final pre-tournament match against Jordan.

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| Aspecto | Detalle |
| :————— | :—————————————— |
| Partido | Amistoso Internacional |
| Resultado | Colombia 3 – 1 Costa Rica |
| Goles Colombia | Davinson Sánchez (17′), Luis Díaz (23′), Luis Suárez (82′) |
| Goles Costa Rica | Andrey Soto (33′) |
| Destacados | Luis Díaz (gol y asistencia) |

This victory provides a significant confidence boost for Colombia as they finalize their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The performance of key players like Luis Díaz and the impact of substitutions like James Rodríguez and Luis Suárez highlight the team’s attacking potential and depth. For fans, this result underscores Colombia’s readiness to compete on the global stage and builds anticipation for their World Cup campaign.

Fuente: Mundo Deportivo Futbol – https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/internacional/20260602/1004190356/3-1-colombia-baila-son-luis-diaz.html

Datos clave