A quick turn, gets the ball onto his stronger left foot and then whips a curling shot into the top corner: James Rodríguez initiated Colombia's 4-2 friendly win over USA overnight with a goal out of the top drawer. Exactly seven years after his debut for the Cafeteros, the 27-year-old opened the scoring in the 36th minute in front of 38,361 fans at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Americans went in front early on in the second half thanks to quick goals from Kellyn Acosta and Hannover striker Bobby Wood, but Carlos Bacca (56), Radamel Falcao (74) and Miguel Borja (76) turned the scoreline back in Colombia's favour. James and Co play another friendly against Costa Rica in the early hours of Wednesday in Harrison, New Jersey.
Defeat for Lewandowski on 100th cap
Robert Lewandowski's milestone appearance for Poland did not go so well. In his 100th game for his country, the 30-year-old lost out to Bayern teammate Renato Sanches as the Poles were beaten 3-2 by Portugal in their UEFA Nations League encounter in Chorzow. Sanches came on as a substitute in the 75th minute for the reigning European champions.
The visitors fought back after falling behind to Krzystof Piatek (18), Andre Silva and a Kamil Glik own goal giving them a 2-1 lead shortly before half-time. Bernardo Silva made it 3-1 after the restart before substitute Jakub Blaszczykowski pulled a goal back in the 77th minute. The win gives the Portuguese a commanding lead at the top of Group A3 ahead of Poland and Italy (both on one point), who face each other in Chorzow on Sunday while Portugal travel to Scotland for a friendly.
Rest for Thiago
Spain eased to a 4-1 win without Bayern midfielder Thiago in their friendly against Wales in Cardiff. A brace from Borussia Dortmund striker Paco Alcacer either side of Sergio Ramos' goal put the visitors 3-0 up in the first half. Substitute Marc Bartra increased the lead in the 74th minute before Sam Vokes netted a consolation goal shortly before full time. Thiago could return to the side for Monday's Nations League match against England.
Topics of this article