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In a friendly match on Friday, Colombia defeated Spain 1-0 due to an incredible goal from Daniel Munoz in the second half. This was Colombia’s first-ever victory against the 2010 World Cup winners.
Following a dull first half in which both managers rested several important players, Colombia returned from the break with better energy. James Rodriguez, a former attacking midfielder for Real Madrid, came off the bench to help his team win five straight matches and extend their unbeaten streak to eighteen.
James and the jet-heeled Luis Diaz were a big threat to the Spanish defenders, with Athletic Bilbao centre-back Dani Vivian, making his debut for the national team, failing to stop the talented Liverpool winger.
Running up and down their left wing, Diaz was unstoppable. He produced many opportunities that his teammates, including two to James, who first misfired on a curling drive that went high over the bar and then caused goalkeeper Alex Remiro to make an incredible one-handed save to deny Colombia the opening goal.
It wasn’t until the 61st minute that they finally scored, with James delivering a long pass that Diaz took in stride before slicing Vivian with a fine individual play in the left channel and delivering a cross to Crystal Palace defender Munoz, who scored an acrobatic volley into the top corner.
Colombia maintained control of the game and lost many opportunities to increase their lead against Spain.
Spain suffered its first loss in a year, as manager Luis de la Fuente rested Rodri, Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Morata and several other important players ahead of the European Championship in Germany, which begins in June.
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