The CommBank Socceroos have suffered a third consecutive defeat in the lead up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, going down 3-0 to Colombia in New York.
Fresh off their disappointing 1-0 loss to Venezuela in Houston over the weekend, Tony Popovic’s side succumbed to three late goals at Citi Stadium, Queens in a game where Melbourne City defender Kai Trewin was once again named in the starting eleven.
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Despite Colombia controlling possession of the ball the Socceroos remained resolute in New York, albeit without truly threatening the home side’s goal.
However, the deadlock was eventually broken in the 76th minute when former Real Madrid star and national team captain James Rodriguez converted from the spot after the referee penalised substitute Callum Elder for a shirt-pull.
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From then on in Los Cafeteros moved through the gears against a Socceroos side now vastly different to the one which started the game in New York.
Sydney FC young star Paul Okon-Engstler came on for his second Socceroos cap but Popovic’s side were now struggling to cope with a Colombia side buoyed on by a passionate crowd and before long it was 2-0.
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Bayern Munich superstar and former Liverpool winger Luis Diaz slotted the ball into an empty net following an error from goalkeeper Paul Izzo in the 88th minute before Crystal Palace midfielder Jefferson Lerma converted from close range to make it 3-0.
The result for Popovic’s side means they’ve now won just nine of 50 contests against South American opposition.
