France 2-3 Colombia
Well, this wasn’t according to the script!
Results in football games like this aren’t that important in the scheme of things, and the betting odds on France thriving in Russia this summer are unlikely to change based on one international friendly.
But after being pegged back by the South Americans on home soil and then conceding a late penalty, this could be considered a wake-up call for Didier Deschamps’ men – tipped by many sports betting pundits as among the tournament favourites.
Les Bleus led at the Stade de France: Olivier Giroud’s neat 11th-minute finish first broke the deadlock, and then Thomas Lemar – rumoured all of the last summer with a move away from Monaco – added a fine second.
The opener moved Giroud level in the France scoring charts with Jean-Pierre Papin and the legendary Just Fontaine on 30 goals. Exalted company indeed!
Colombia hit back quickly as James Rodriguez teamed up with Luis Muriel and the latter fired in a superb long-range strike from a tight angle.
Game on!
The South Americans levelled just past the hour mark as another Monaco man, Radamel Falcao, was the latest to benefit from good Rodriguez approach play and hit another stunner from the edge of the box past Hugo Lloris.
The comeback was complete six minutes from time when Juan Quintero coolly converted a controversially awarded penalty.
It was hardly pivotal for either nation, each of whom used their allowed five substitutes.
But what a confidence booster for Colombia as they defeated France for the first time ever.
The look on their faces said it all.
If Falcao, Rodriguez and co are at their best this summer, my message is simple: watch out for dark horse Colombia!
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