Colombia Secures 2-1 Win Over New Zealand in International Friendly

Colombia claimed a 2-1 victory against New Zealand in a friendly encounter on Saturday, powered by an inaugural strike from Gustavo Puerta. The match, pitting two teams preparing for the World Cup, took place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The 22-year-old Puerta netted the opener in the third minute, while Johan Carbonero confirmed the triumph in the 88th minute, merely eight minutes following Benjamin Olds equalising effort for New Zealand.

Puertas initial goal came from a sharp cross by Jhon Arias, which unsettled New Zealand and left them scrambling for a quick reply.

New Zealand rallied during the second period, exploiting some loose play in Colombias backline to draw level.

Old, who entered the fray in the 64th minute, tapped home from a cross to restore parity.

Earlier in that half, New Zealand nearly scored when Jesse Randall, Storm Roux, and Sarpreet Singh linked up, but the effort drifted just wide of the target.

New Zealand employed a solid plan and matched us well in physical battles, Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo commented. They tested us on multiple occasions.

Colombia swiftly pushed for a decisive goal. A lofted pass from Yerry Mina found Carbonero, who dodged two markers to finish after only 10 minutes on the pitch.

The squads continue their build-up to the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, with Colombia taking on Australia at Citi Field in New York and New Zealand facing Ecuador in Harrison, New Jersey.