Two months is exactly what is missing for the Colombian national team to re-enter the qualifying round for the World Cup in Qatar, in search of justification, to pave the way after the two heavy defeats against Uruguay and Ecuador. Two months so that Reinaldo Rueda is released again as national coach, and against the rival with whom no one wants to start: Brazil. And two months for the players to be fully in their clubs. For now, the weekend has been encouraging, with goals and assists to motivate the new manager.
Rueda, which was officially presented last Tuesday, should have already started making an in-depth analysis of each of the players who will be in the frame to put together his squad, which will certainly be structured from the same foundation as Carlos Queiroz.
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Between now and March 25, he needs these men to be in optimal condition, with continuity of the game, without injuries, or at least without long absences. It is what is desired when the DT has just arrived and does not have time to meet the players earlier, nor will he be able to train enough and much less will he have friendly matches as there are no Fifa windows for it. But for now, in two months, Rueda is full of good news.
James and Mina showed off
If Reinaldo Rueda wants a dose of rest, he needs his most important man, James Rodríguez, to be at the highest level, to play, to create and to show off, that is, motivated. Yesterday, James played with Everton, who beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 and advanced in the English FA Cup, and he was key, with precise passes and two assists.
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A pass from him, in the void, ended in a goal from Richarlison that was out of place in the first half. But in the second half he took it out on two luxury centers, in a few corners they found target receivers nearby.
First, Richarlison. And then his fellow countryman Yerry Mina, who also wants to be in top form again for Rueda’s analyzes. Mina has raised his level and yesterday set the cherry with his own forehead, showing that with him on the field the target in the air is a dormant weapon. Everton won, qualified and the Colombian couple excelled.
But when it comes to goals, good news for Reinaldo Rueda that he’s shot forward is just one goal.
Duván does not fail
Duván Zapata continues to score.
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The turn was for Duván Zapata, who scored again and did so in Atalanta’s 0-3 victory over Milan in Italian football. It is already his eighth goal in the Serie A season and confirms that his scoring level is constant. His goal on Saturday also contributes to the good streak of his colleague Luis Fernando Muriel, who scored his eleventh goal this week and started the year superbly, scoring five goals in January alone. plays. So the Atalanta men remain at the best level.
They give the peace of mind that Colombia needs in two months, especially when Falcao García still doesn’t show up due to his injury. That is why other unusual men are also motivated to see if they get the call, such as striker Jhon Córdoba, who scored on Saturday in the defeat of Hertha Berlin in Germany. Or Luis Suárez, the forward who already had his chance with the National Team and scored yesterday with Granada from Spain, although his team lost to Osasuna (3-1).
There are other football players who, without scoring, also fill the coach with peace. One of them is Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, who continues to shine day after day in Italy. His recent positive for Covid-19 slowed his moment, but not his performance; back, he has already played two games and stood out in both. He did it mid-week with, among other things, assisting Juventus against Naples in the final of the Italian Super Cup, and yesterday he scored another goal in the win over Bologna (2-0).
Square assisted McKennie in the 71st minute. So he maintains his steadfastness, although as a right back. It remains to be seen in what position the DT Rueda can locate it.
So the key figures, the most important, fill the Colombian national team with reasons to claim the draw in two months. It depends on whether they maintain and, hopefully, increase their level. And that the others join that chain of good news for the new coach.
PABLO ROMERO
Editor of EL TIEMPO
@PabloRomeroET