Jefferson Lerma debuts at World Cup Russia with team defeat

Jefferson Lerma capitalized on the global attention gained in the clash that pitted Colombia against Japan. The azulgrana/scarlet-blue center midfielder made up part of the starting lineup, the first eleven chosen by Pekerman to represent the Coffee Growers’ Squad at Columbia’s first performance at World Cup Russia. The Levante footballer played all ninety minutes of the fixture which was characterized by Carlos Sánchez being sent off at minute three of the match, after committing a red card handball penalty which stopped a shot which seemed destined to cross right through Ospina’s goal line. The decision taken by the referee caused no doubt. That action influenced the evolution of the remaining match, which Quintero eventually managed to draw. However, Osako was able to take advantage of a corner kick, ratifying the victory of the Japanese lineup.