Colombia beat Costa Rica 3-1 at El Campin stadium in Bogota in a farewell friendly on Monday, with Luis Diaz contributing a goal and an assist before James Rodriguez and Juan Fernando Quintero helped the hosts pull clear in the second half. Nestor Lorenzo fielded a mixed squad, with several key players introduced from the bench as the match progressed.
Davinson Sanchez opened the scoring in the 17th minute, heading in from a Luis Diaz corner. Six minutes later, Diaz added the second himself, converting inside the area after Jorge Carrascal played him in.
Costa Rica pulled one back before half-time. Andrey Soto headed in a cross from Josimar Alcocer in the 33rd minute to make it 2-1, and the Central American side continued to press after the break. They came close to levelling before Willer Ditta cleared off the line to preserve Colombia’s lead.
Lorenzo brought on James Rodriguez, Quintero, Jhon Arias, and Luis Suarez for the second half. The arrivals of James and Quintero changed the tempo, with both players dictating build-up play and helping Colombia regain control. The third goal arrived in the 81st minute when James threaded a through ball to Suarez, who finished with his left foot past the Costa Rican goalkeeper.
Goalkeeper David Ospina also came on as a substitute and received a warm reception from the El Campin crowd.
Colombia travel to San Diego on 4 June and play a final warm-up against Jordan on 7 June before their World Cup opener. They face Uzbekistan in Mexico City on 18 June, DR Congo in Guadalajara on 24 June, and Portugal in Miami Gardens on 28 June in Group K.
