James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz lead Colombia to a 2-0 victory over Australia in thrilling New York friendly minute by minute coverage
In a thrilling friendly match held in New York on November 18, 2025, Colombia triumphed over Australia with a score of 2-0. The match marked the end of Colombia’s year, which included their qualification for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Match Overview: Colombia vs Australia
Colombia, coached by Néstor Lorenzo, faced Australia for the fourth time in their history. The previous encounters included a draw in February 1995 and a 3-2 win for Colombia in February 2001. The last meeting before this friendly was in March 2018, which ended in another goalless draw.
Performance Throughout the Year
In 2025, Colombia played nine matches, comprising six qualifiers and three friendlies. Their record stood at four victories, four draws, and only one defeat—a 2-1 loss to Brazil in Brasília on March 20, 2025. Throughout the year, they scored a total of 19 goals and conceded eight.
Key Moments of the Match
- 76th Minute: James Rodríguez scored Colombia’s first goal after a penalty was awarded due to a foul on Santiago Arias.
- 89th Minute: Luis Díaz doubled the lead, capitalizing on a mistake by the Australian goalkeeper.
- 90+3 Minute: Jefferson Lerma sealed the victory with a close-range shot after a corner kick.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Colombia | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 0 |
| Shots on Goal | 9 | 3 |
| Possession | 60% | 40% |
Looking Ahead
The victory in New York boosts Colombia’s confidence as they prepare for the World Cup. Australia, who has qualified for their seventh consecutive World Cup, reached the Round of 16 in Qatar 2022 before being eliminated by Argentina. Fans eagerly await both teams’ performance in the upcoming tournament.
