Algeria 3-0 Colombia: Five talking points from the game | International friendly

#4 Colombia missed James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao

Colombia missed James Rodriguez

Even though the South Americans had more of the possession, they did very little with the ball at their feet. Colombia ended the game with 58% possession and registered 405 passes with 77% passing accuracy. They registered eight shots, four of which were on target, but failed to score a goal. There was a lack of precision in the final third, as Colombia struggled to break down a rigid Algeria defense. In the absence of Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez, Colombia missed a little class in attack, which cost them the game.

Carlos Queiroz had left the dynamic duo out of the friendly match squad. Duvan Zapata had picked up an injury against Chile and had returned to Italy, which had left Queiroz with little choice but to start with Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos in the attack. The 23-year-old had a quiet day on the field and failed to find the back of the net.

Colombia missed James Rodriguez’s vision in midfield and Radamel Falcao’s presence in the box on the night and failed to cope with their absence.

#3 Algeria showed amazing ruthlessness at both ends of the pitch

Djamel Belmadi, the Algerian coach.

Algeria started the game with a very high tempo but was overtaken by Colombia in terms of possession. However, the African country had a very direct approach to the tie, which made them very dangerous right from the start. Algeria registered 296 passes on the night, with only 71% passing accuracy, which was quite inferior to Colombia. However, they recorded 8 shots, four of which were on target and scored 3 goals! It was Algeria’s ruthlessness in front of goal which was the main difference between the two sides.

Every time Algeria ran towards the Colombia defense, they threatened to score. The Colombia defense failed to deal with the African nation’s attack and looked uncomfortable all night. Algeria, on the other hand, had a solid day at the back, keeping the Colombia frontline at bay and managing to secure a hard-fought clean sheet. They were composed at the back and clinical in the final third, which helped them win the game.