Algeria 3-0 Colombia: Five talking points from the game | International friendly

When Colombia traveled to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille on Tuesday to face Algeria for an international friendly, both teams were about to make history. It was the first time that the two sides would face each other in a game of football, and naturally, there was a huge buzz about the game, despite the friendly nature of the tie. Both teams were desperate to end the international break with a victory, after failing to secure a win in their previous game. Algeria drew 1-1 against Congo, while Colombia could only manage a 0-0 draw against Chile.

Interestingly, both teams had an unbeaten record in their last five games. While Algeria had won three of their last five games, Colombia had only one win in their previous five outings. The reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions, as such, were the favorites for a win, but Colombia manager Carlos Queiroz was hoping that he had the personnel to see off a spirited Algeria side. The Portuguese named his team accordingly.

Colombia Starting XI: David Ospin: Johan Mojica, Davinson Sanchez, Óscar Murillo, Luis Manuel Orejuela; Mateus Uribe, Yairo Moreno, Jefferson Lerma; Luis Muriel, Alfredo Morelos, Juan Cuadrado.

However, it was Algeria who started the game stronger and the African nation went ahead when Baghdad Bounedjah scored in the 15th minute. Riyad Mahrez doubled Algeria’s lead 5 minutes later and the Africa Cup of Nations champions went into the break with the score 2-0. Mahrez scored his second of the night in the 65th minute and Algeria went on to win the tie 3-0. Here are 5 talking points from the game.

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#5 Algeria’s pressing unsettled Colombia

Carlos Queiroz's side was undone by Algeria's initial pressing

Algeria started the game with very high intensity on the field. They closed down the opposition very well and implemented a high press all around the park. It was a tactic that unsettled the Colombia team and made them nervous. Algeria’s relentless pressing caused Colombia to lose possession quite frequently and the South Americans failed to get a foothold on the game.

The African nation, on the other hand, grew in confidence and looked in control. Their tactics finally paid off when Baghdad Bounedjah scored from outside the box and gave his team the lead. It helped Algeria get a firm grip on the game and they never looked back.

Riyad Mahrez (left).

#4 Colombia missed James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao

Colombia missed James Rodriguez

Even though the South Americans had more of the possession, they did very little with the ball at their feet. Colombia ended the game with 58% possession and registered 405 passes with 77% passing accuracy. They registered eight shots, four of which were on target, but failed to score a goal. There was a lack of precision in the final third, as Colombia struggled to break down a rigid Algeria defense. In the absence of Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez, Colombia missed a little class in attack, which cost them the game.

Carlos Queiroz had left the dynamic duo out of the friendly match squad. Duvan Zapata had picked up an injury against Chile and had returned to Italy, which had left Queiroz with little choice but to start with Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos in the attack. The 23-year-old had a quiet day on the field and failed to find the back of the net.

Colombia missed James Rodriguez’s vision in midfield and Radamel Falcao’s presence in the box on the night and failed to cope with their absence.

#3 Algeria showed amazing ruthlessness at both ends of the pitch

Djamel Belmadi, the Algerian coach.

Algeria started the game with a very high tempo but was overtaken by Colombia in terms of possession. However, the African country had a very direct approach to the tie, which made them very dangerous right from the start. Algeria registered 296 passes on the night, with only 71% passing accuracy, which was quite inferior to Colombia. However, they recorded 8 shots, four of which were on target and scored 3 goals! It was Algeria’s ruthlessness in front of goal which was the main difference between the two sides.

Every time Algeria ran towards the Colombia defense, they threatened to score. The Colombia defense failed to deal with the African nation’s attack and looked uncomfortable all night. Algeria, on the other hand, had a solid day at the back, keeping the Colombia frontline at bay and managing to secure a hard-fought clean sheet. They were composed at the back and clinical in the final third, which helped them win the game.

#2 Riyad Mahrez showed his class

Riyad Mahrez was the game changer for Algeria

Riyad Mahrez has been in sensational form since breaking into the scene at Leicester City a couple of seasons ago. The Algerian hit a higher gear after making the move to Manchester City last season and against Colombia, his world-class abilities helped his team win the game. Mahrez’s movement, speed, and skills were too much for the Colombia defense, who looked hapless at times against him.

The Manchester City man started the day by laying down the pass for Baghdad Bounedjah to open the scoring. Mahrez then went on to score himself, showing his alertness to find space at the edge of the box and displaying clinical finishing abilities to put his team 2-0 up. However, he left the best of the last.

In the second half, Mahrez picked the ball up on the right-hand side of the field, near the touchline and embarked on a mazy run inside the Colombia half. He had the entire Colombia defense backtracking and then dribbled past quite a few players to unleash a low left-footed shot into the far corner to make it 3-0.

#1 Algeria prove they are no pushovers

African Cup of Nations 2019: Tanzania v Algeria.

Algeria had already proved their doubters wrong by defeating Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. It was a historic moment for the nation and since then, Algeria has shown signs of getting even better. The African nation is undefeated since that memorable day at the Cairo International Stadium on 20th of July. In that space, Algeria has defeated Benin, while also managing draws against Morocco and Congo. However, with this victory against Colombia, Algeria has made a statement to the football world and made their intentions pretty clear.

It was not just the win, but the manner in which Algeria prevailed over the South American nation that indicates that the African country is on an upward rise. It was also a statement of intent ahead of the 2020 African Nations Championships, where the reigning African Cup of Nations champions will have their eyes on the top prize. Keeping in mind their fantastic performance against Colombia, it must be noted that Algeria will be one of the teams to beat in the tournament.