Copa America 2024 : How Did Colombia Conquer The American Mainland?

5 min readJul 2, 2024

Colombia Tactical Analysis : Copa America 2024

Colombia reaped impressive results in this Copa America performance. Reaping satisfactory results after playing against Costa Rica and Paraguay makes it even more convincing that this team is worth to bet on it. So, what are the things that make Colombia worth looking at and analyzing tactically? Check out this analysis!

Formation

Nestor Lorenzo, the Colombian coach appeared on paper with a 4-3-3 formation, but executed it with a 4-2-3-1.

Jefferson Lerma as the anchor midfielder in front of the two central defenders. All forward players move actively to explore empty space; Positional Play.

Colombia Offensive Organization

Build Up Formation

Figure 2.1
Colombian build-up with 4-4-2 Diamond

Colombia started the process of building attacks with a 4–4-2 Diamond formation. Colombia emphasizes the concept of maximum wide fullbacks to stretch the opponent’s defensive blocks up front. Four players in the middle area will create overload. The tight distance in the middle area utilizes counter-press tactics.

Invite Press and Single Pivot Utilization (De Zerbi’s Tactic)

Figure 2.2
Jefferson Lerma movement as pivot

When Build Up, Colombia looked a little like Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton.

The scheme started when Davinson Sanchez, a Colombian defender, invited pressing from the opponent. When the opponent is provoked and becomes aggressive, Jefferson Lerma as the Single Pivot will come down and be tasked with bouncing the ball to another free player. As a result, the ball can be advanced forward.

This scheme is also called Artificial Transition.

Beautiful Rotation and Fluid Positional Play

Figure 2.3
Johan Mojica filling up space

Figure 2.3
How Colombia got out of the pressure

In the cornered situation in Figure 2.3, Colombia was able to get out of Paraguay’s pressing trap on the wing. James Rodriguez stepped in to provide a passing option and create a numerical advantage.

This is the result from fluid rotation scheme, effective positional play and composure in facing the opponent’s pressing.

Overlapping Fullback to Support

Figure 2.4
Daniel Munoz makes an overlap to provide support to Rochard Rios

The attack scheme on the right side was played by Daniel Muñoz who went up to overlap with a combination of passes between Him and Richard Rios. Strikers and wingers will occupy the penalty box area to receive crossings.

Figure 2.5
Colombia first goal against Paraguay

The first goal against Paraguay was the result of a positive movement by Daniel Muñoz who overlapped up to meet the ball.

Exposing The Space Between The Lines

Figure 2.6
Jhon Arias who received the ball in the space between the lines

With fluid movements as in Figure 2.3, Colombia utilized every empty space that could be exposed, namely the space between the lines. In Figure 2.6, Jhon Arias goes down to receive the ball from Mojica.

Creating Numerical Superiority Against Pressing Trap

Figure 2.7
Support from winger and midfielder to fullback

To overcome the opponent’s pressing trap when the ball is on the wing, the Colombian winger and one of the midfielders will come down to help the Fullback.

This Numerical Superiority will overcome the aggressive pressing of opponents who use pressing traps.

James Rodriguez Dropping Deep

Figure 2.9
James dropping deep to give Lucumi passing option, and then progressing out wide

James Rodriguez’s time is not over yet. He is still the axis of Colombia’s attack to provide progressive passes by going down, picking up the ball. When James drops, passing options increase, and ball progression is easier.

Colombia Defensive Organization

Defending Formation

Formation : 4–4–2 Medium Block

Colombia’s defensive organization uses a tight 4-4-2 medium block formation. The formation will shift when the ball is directed to one side.

Both strikers are quite passive in the defensive phase. However, both of them will direct the ball to the wing and launch a pressing trap

Counter-Press and High Turnover

Figure 3.2
Colombian's counter pressing, as the result : High Turnover

The density and compactness of Colombia’s midfield supports counter pressing tactics. Nestor Lorenzo will prepare several players to guard the opponent’s central area, then apply aggressive pressing and create high turnovers.

Space-Oriented Press

Figure 3.3
Players closing down the space around opposition player

The closest Colombian player might not press the ball aggresively. But will get tight to closing down space around opposition ball carrier. They will force a mistake from the player.

Miscellaneous

James’ Key Role

James Rodriguez plays an important role in Colombia’s attacking aspects. As shown in Figure 2.9, James often came down to help with the build up. He also often roamed and recorded the most touches in the match against Paraguay.

Luiz Diaz Attacking Threat

Attacks from the left side are also quite dominant. The area inhabited by Liverpool star Luiz Diaz is a dangerous area in terms of Colombia’s attacking phase.

Conclusion

It can be concluded from Nestor Lorenzo’s various tactics that Colombia is not without threats. They come with very mature abilities and tactics. So, what are your predictions? Just place a parlay for Colombia!