Colombia’s Lorenzo: DR Congo Pose Different Tactical Challenge at World Cup

Lorenzo calls for “hot heart, cool head” as Colombia face DR Congo test

DR Congo drew 1-1 with Portugal but Lorenzo says their counter-attacking 5-3-2 will test Colombia. Kickoff Tuesday in Guadalajara, Group K.

“Lucho is a complete forward”says Lorenzo, backs diaz ahead of DR Congo. Lorenzo urges composure as Colombia eye round of 32...

Colombia boss Nestor Lorenzo said Monday his team needs to stay calm and shut down DR Congo’s counter-attack while still playing their own style when they face each other in World Cup Group K on Tuesday in Guadalajara.

The South Americans kicked off with a 3-1 win against Uzbekistan and a victory here would book their spot in the round of 32. But Lorenzo cautioned that DR Congo, who opened with a 1-1 draw vs Portugal, will bring a very different tactical test.

Lorenzo said DR Congo’s 5-3-2 setup, with both strikers staying high up the pitch, makes their transitions and counter-attacks the main threat Colombia must control.

Luis Diaz scored and set up a goal against Uzbekistan, and Lorenzo highlighted the Bayern Munich attacker’s flexibility.

“The important thing is not how many times he attacks, but how the moves finish,” Lorenzo said of Diaz. “Lucho is a complete forward.”

Lorenzo said he had no big selection headaches and wouldn’t reveal his starting XI.

Lorenzo urged his players to feed off the crowd’s energy without losing their composure, after several were seen getting emotional against Uzbekistan at Azteca Stadium.

“We have to play with a hot heart and a cool head,” he said.