Lorenzo praises Colombia's defensive discipline after narrow win over Ghana

Lorenzo before the match
Lorenzo before the matchREUTERS / Bernadett Szabo

Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo ⁠praised his side's defensive discipline after Friday's 1-0 win over Ghana ‌sent them into the World Cup round ‌of 16, saying their ability ‌to protect a narrow lead was ‌key to securing a meeting with ‌Switzerland.

Lorenzo said Colombia's defenders had a demanding role because the team played ‌high up the pitch for ⁠long stretches ‌of the game.

"After creating several chances and ​not converting, I liked how we defended," Lorenzo told reporters.

"I ​value the fact that we did not suffer much, apart from ⁠the opponent's ​clear chances," he added.

Match momentum
Match momentumOpta by StatsPerform

James Rodriguez was not injured after being substituted, Lorenzo said, describing the change as tactical ‌while noting several players had been dealing with flu-like symptoms. "James is fine. He has no injury,"

Jhon Cordoba was the only player to finish the match with an injury concern, coach Lorenzo said, adding that the severity would only be ‌known after medical tests.

Colombia will ​face Switzerland in the round ‌of 16 on Tuesday in Vancouver.

"They have order, but also good players from midfield forward. They play very well. It is going ⁠to be ⁠a very tough ‌match."

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