The team led by Néstor Lorenzo had just beaten Spain in London (1-0, goal by Daniel Muñoz) and went 21 games without losing, 18 of them under the command of the Argentine coach.
Romania, which will return to the European Championship this year after eight absences, but which has not played in a World Cup since 1998, had just drawn 1-1 with Northern Ireland in Bucharest.
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Welcome
Thank you for being in this minute by minute of EL TIEMPO. Follow here everything that happens in the meeting between Colombia and Romania in Madrid.
Spanish referee for the match
Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz will be the central defender of the match between Colombia and Romania, in Madrid.
Colombia, with three changes
From the team that started against Spain, Kevin Castaño, Jorge Carrascal and Mateo Cassierra came out. Ríchard Ríos, James Rodríguez and Jhon Córdoba entered, who is a starter for the National Team for the first time.
The match started!
Colombia debuts its new yellow shirt, with blue shorts and white socks. Romania plays all in red.
First approximations
Romania tries to put pressure on Colombia and leaves space. Colombia already had two approaches, but without major danger.
¡Gooooooooooooool de Colombia!
Great play by Luis Díaz, who hooks to open space and touches back for Johan Mojica. The winger sent a great cross and Jhon Córdoba scores 1-0 for Colombia.
The first scare in the Colombia area
Denis Alibec got tangled with the ball, in front of the goal, and could not kick, after a great pass from Nicolae Stanciu and an error by the Colombian defense.
Romania tries to attack
The Romanians try to look for options near the Vargas goal, without success.
Romania demands a penalty
The Romanians protested an alleged foul by Jhon Lucumí that did not exist.
More precautions
Colombia slows down the pace of the game a little, but every time it accelerates it gives a sense of danger.
¡Gooooooooooooooooool de Colombia!
Another great collective play allows Colombia to make it 2-0. cue from Daniel Muñoz, center from Ríchard Ríos and goal from Jhon Arias.
Close to the third in Colombia
Great play by Córdoba, who overflows and touches back. Jhon Arias manages to finish, but without much force.
The Colombian medical team works
Daniel Muñoz is affected and everything indicates that he is not going to continue. Camilo Vargas is also treated.
First change in Colombia
Santiago Arias replaces Daniel Muñoz in the National Team. Goalkeeper Álvaro Montero also warms up.
A great first half for Colombia ended
Colombia played its best first half in the Lorenzo era and comfortably beat Romania. Rest is coming.
The second half begins
There are no changes in Colombia for the second stage. In Romania there is a change: Ionu Nedelcearu, defender, replaces Radu Dragusin.
¡Luchoooooo!
Luis Díaz did something that Liverpool knows by heart: he received it on the edge of the area, opened the field and finished. The Moldovan goalkeeper prevented Colombia’s third.
Vargas, on the floor
Goalkeeper Camilo Vargas is on the ground after receiving a hit. He warms up again Montero.
The scare happened
Vargas recovered and the match resumed in Madrid.
Double change in Romania
Gheorges Hagi’s son, Ianis, and Denis Dragus entered. Denis Alibec and Valentin Mihaila came out.
Another Luis Díaz player
Lucho started from the left towards the center and dragged his mark. He played with James, who opened the game for Arias. The center of it was not able to be connected by Córdoba.
Lorenzo refreshes the team
Two changes in Colombia: Rafael Santos Borré for Luis Díaz and Jorge Carrascal for Jhon Arias.
James is applauded in Colombia
Juan Fernando Quintero enters for James Rodríguez, who leaves applauded. Yaser Asprilla also enters for Córdoba.
¡Gooooooooooooool de Colombia!
Yaser Asprilla makes it 3-0, after a clearance from Santiago Arias and a hit on the edge of the area.
Discount Romania
Ianis Hagi scores for Romania after an error by Lucumí and Lerma. The central defender delivered poorly and Hagi anticipated the Crystal Palace midfielder.
Colombia loosened and Romania tightens
The last five minutes for Colombia are not good, as they have had work to do in defense.
Replenishment time
Four more minutes will be played in Madrid.
Romania goal
Florin Tanase scores in the area after a cross from the right and tightens the score.
Full Time
Despite a slump in the final minutes, Colombia played its best game in the Lorenzo era and achieved a great victory against Romania. Thanks for joining us.