Gustavo Puerta scores on debut as Colombia beats New Zealand 2-1 in a friendly match in Florida, with both teams preparing for the 2026 World Cup
FORT LAUDERDALE: Colombia defeated New Zealand 2-1 in an international football friendly on Saturday.
Gustavo Puerta, making his senior debut, opened the scoring for Colombia in the third minute with a finish from Jhon Arias’s cross.
New Zealand equalised in the 80th minute through substitute Benjamin Old, who tapped in from close range.
Colombia secured the victory just eight minutes later with a late winner from Johan Carbonero.
Carbonero, who had entered the match as a substitute, received a long ball from Yerry Mina and beat two defenders before scoring.
New Zealand had threatened to take the lead moments before Old’s goal through a combination involving Jesse Randall, Storm Roux and Sarpreet Singh.
Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo acknowledged New Zealand’s competitive performance after the match.
“New Zealand had a good strategy and competed very well physically,” Lorenzo said. “They challenged us several times.”
Both teams continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with matches on Tuesday.
Colombia will face Australia at Citi Field in New York, while New Zealand play Ecuador in Harrison, New Jersey. – AFP
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