Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo admitted his side paid the price for failing to convert their chances after a penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland ended their World Cup campaign.
Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo admitted his side’s inability to convert their chances proved decisive after their World Cup journey ended with a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 16.
The South Americans were beaten 4-3 on penalties after neither side could find a breakthrough in 120 minutes, despite Colombia enjoying long spells of pressure and creating several opportunities throughout the contest.
Switzerland wins on penalties to secure a spot in the quarter-finals! 👏#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 7, 2026
Speaking in a brief post-match press conference, Lorenzo insisted his team had done enough to deserve victory, describing the contest as a tight, tactical battle where fine margins ultimately made the difference.
“What we lacked, without a doubt, was scoring a goal,” Lorenzo said. “We knew it was going to be a very closed match, very tactical and very even. Even so, I think we deserved a little more in the 90 minutes because of the intentions we had and the shots we took.”
The Colombian manager acknowledged that the tempo of the game gradually faded as fatigue set in for both teams, with neither side able to produce the decisive moment before the match headed into a penalty shootout.
Lorenzo also defended his decision to substitute midfielder Jhon Arias, explaining that concerns over the player’s fitness and the possibility of receiving a second yellow card influenced the change. He also withdrew Luis Suarez after the striker was booked midway through the second half to avoid the risk of being reduced to 10 men.
“We were afraid that with one late challenge we could be left with one less player. And energy too,” Lorenzo explained. “We had 15 attempts. That is a lot, and not scoring, you pay for it. There is nothing to reproach. Sometimes the ball goes in, and sometimes it doesn’t.”
