Zapata features as Colombia secure World Cup spot

Colombia have secured automatic qualification for Russia 2018, along with Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. Following their final qualification match against Peru, which ended in a 1-1 draw in Lima, the Colombians finished fourth in their table. Jose Pekerman’s side, which featured Duvan Zapata from the beginning, until he was subbed on 71 minutes, picked up the precious point after a disappointing loss at home to Paraguay just five days previously.

With the match deadlocked early in the second half, Colombia opened the scoring on 55 minutes through James Rodriguez. Peru were able to hit back on 76 minutes, after Paolo Guerrero’s free kick. However, a draw proved enough for the away team to bag their World Cup place, despite Argentina’s 3-1 win away in Ecuador.