“Colombia does not scare us”: Paraguay defender wants to celebrate in Asuncion and bitter Néstor Lorenzo

This Tuesday, November 21, the Colombian National Team will visit its counterpart from Paraguay to play a duel corresponding to the sixth day of the South American Qualifiers towards the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada 2026. The ‘Guaraníes’ want to add their second victory in this qualifying competition and end a ‘drought’ of wins against the ‘yellow’ team at home. The experienced defender Fabián Balbuena recognized the talent of those led by Néstor Lorenzo; However, he noted that he is not “scared” of facing them.

Balbuena, Jorge Carrascal’s teammate at FC Dinamo Moscow, pointed out that they have this commitment well prepared. Let us remember that the ‘albirroja’ has not beaten Colombia in Asunción since 1997. The ‘yellow’ team has five wins and one draw in Defensores del Chaco.

“We have a defined idea of ​​how to approach the game, respecting Colombia’s quality, we know that they have very good players who make a difference, but it does not scare us. We have a competitive team and the idea is to secure the three points,” the defender with past performances at West Ham United FC and SC Corinthians began, in statements to FIFA.

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Fabián Balbuena praised Luis Díaz

“Players like him (Luis Díaz), James Rodríguez, Jorge Carrascal are class A. Playoff matches are like that, in minutes the game can change. They are players who can change your game instantly. Like all games we must be attentive,” added the 32-year-old defender, who has represented Paraguay 34 times (2 goals).

How long has it been since Paraguay went to a Soccer World Cup?

In South Africa 2010, the ‘albirroja’ gave an exhibition of good football. Those led by Gerardo Martino reached the quarterfinals, where they lost 1-0 against Spain, due to a late goal from David Villa. Since that great performance, Paraguay missed the next three orbital events (Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022).

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