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Despite Second Place in Copa América, Colombian National Team Rejects Parade Celebration 

Despite Second Place in Copa America, Colombian National Team Rejects Parade Celebration 
Credit: Copa America

Lautaro Martínez’s goal in the 112th minute shattered Colombia’s hopes on Sunday, July 14th at the final Copa América match. A blanket of silence fell over the nation as they processed the defeat and pondered the events that transpired. President Gustavo Petro had preemptively declared Monday, July 15, as a Civic Day to celebrate the national team’s efforts, regardless of the final outcome. Despite the loss, the day remains a tribute to the team’s hard work and dedication, as stated by the Presidency. 

The high expectations of a grand celebration upon the team’s return to Colombia were dashed. According to coach Néstor Lorenzo, speaking to Blu Radio, there would be no welcoming parade as the team would not be returning together. “The Colombian team won’t arrive together because we lost, and everyone is going their own way,” Lorenzo stated. This decision reflects the team’s conscious choice to avoid political entanglements and focus solely on the sport and their supporters. 

Néstor Lorenzo, the Argentine-born coach of the Tricolor, shared his thoughts post-match, emphasizing the significance of experiencing a final as a learning process. He acknowledged Argentina’s superiority, highlighting that Scaloni’s team is setting a new standard in South American football, while Colombia is still at the beginning of its journey. Lorenzo also recalled the challenges the Colombian team faced, including missing the last World Cup, but praised the significant progress made to reach the 2024 Copa América final. His message resonated with many fans who, despite their disappointment, look to the future with hope and determination to achieve greater success in international football. 

What’s After the Copa América?

Looking ahead, Colombia’s national team is gearing up to resume their South American World Cup qualifiers in September. Currently in third place with 12 points, the team aims to solidify their position and move closer to securing a spot in the tournament, which the USA, Canada, and Mexico will host. The objective is clear: to maintain their momentum, ensure their World Cup presence, and improve their performance in international competitions. 

In Russia 2018, Colombia reached the Round of 16, while in Brazil 2014, they made it to the quarterfinals, their best result to date. Players who shone in the recent continental tournament will return to their clubs to begin preseason preparations for upcoming local and European challenges. It is crucial that they maintain their level to continue being selected and arrive in peak condition for the next qualifiers. 

Under Néstor Lorenzo’s guidance, the goal is to surpass previous achievements and reach the World Cup semifinals for the first time. Colombia aspires to keep making history and rekindle their unbeaten streak, establishing themselves as one of the strongest contenders in international futbol. 

One thing is for sure: The Colombia national team played a hell of a game and they should be proud of how they united their country. Colombian soccer fans will always love this team.

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