France also won the second test of their short trip to the USA. Les Bleus presented themselves effectively in the World Cup host country with a retreaded team, while Colombia mostly failed to get beyond the basics.
Three days after the 2:1 win against Brazil, the French national team faced the second and final test of their short trip to the USA. Unlike other top nations, coach Didier Deschamps did not rely on fielding a starting eleven, but instead rotated completely. With eleven new players, the team faced Colombia in Maryland, who will also be taking part in the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer.
The South Americans include well-known names such as James, who played for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, among others, when he was married. Bayern attacker Luis Diaz was naturally also in the starting line-up. Colombia started boldly and posed problems for the newly-formed French side. Although Zaire-Emery had the first opportunity for France (4th), it was then Luis Diaz’s turn to shoot just wide of the left post (5th).
Colombia start boldly, France shine with efficiency
Colombia were confident on the ball, knew how to get out of pressure situations and regularly appeared in France’s final third – even if it wasn’t always dangerous. The biggest opportunity: a sharp Mojica cross behind the French back line, but Hernandez saved at the highest level from the onrushing Arias (15′).
Meanwhile, favourites France did not need much to pose a threat at the other end. Doué’s low shot, deflected by Munoz, gave Les Bleus the lead in the 29th minute. Nevertheless, the Colombians did not run out of ideas. The World Cup opponents of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal repeatedly attacked down the flanks, but rarely made a compelling move.
Instead, France impressively demonstrated how it can work. Akliouche’s pinpoint cross was headed under the crossbar by Thuram in the 41st minute. A 3-0 lead was even in the air before the break, but Montero made a strong save from Doué’s attempt (45′).
At the start of the second period, the Colombians were also allowed to take control of the game, while France took a wait-and-see approach. Former Bundesliga attacker Cordoba, among others, came on for Luis Suarez at the restart. At the other end, however, another French attack was enough to finally decide the game. Thuram laid the ball on for Doué, who made it 3:0 alone in front of Montero (56′).
The inside of the post helps Campaz
Floods of substitutions repeatedly interrupted the flow of the game, although the match was already decided. Colombia rarely got in front of the French goal, while the 2018 world champions were able to rest on their comfortable lead. The South Americans took advantage of this in the closing stages, with Joker Campaz scoring the consolation goal in the 77th minute with the help of the inside of the post.
Co-favorites France also won their second test match in the USA and will face Ivory Coast, one of DFB’s opponents in the World Cup group stage, on 4 June. Colombia suffered their second defeat after losing 2-1 to Croatia. The test match against Costa Rica is scheduled for 29 May.
