Colombia 3-0 Australia: Rodriguez and Diaz star in late second-half flurry

James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz and Jefferson Lerma were all on target as Colombia’s 17-minute burst late in the second half confirmed a 3-0 victory over Australia in a friendly.

The contest appeared set to finish goalless until Rodriguez converted a 76th-minute penalty after Callum Elder’s foul on Santiago Arias opened the floodgates at Citi Field.

Colombia started quickly and only a fine save from Paul Izzo to deny Diaz kept the game level, with the in-form Bayern Munich forward going close again before the break.

Izzo was again called into action shortly after the restart to tip Johan Mojica’s shot over the crossbar, but Colombia’s pressure eventually told with the clock ticking down.

A combination of Elder and Cameron Burgess brought down Arias inside the box, with Rodriguez sending Izzo the wrong way from 12 yards for his 31st international goal.

Colombia doubled their lead a minute from time when Camilo Vargas’ long punt forward was not dealt with by the Australia defence, allowing Diaz to steal in and tap home.

The victory was complete in the third minute of second-half stoppage time, with Rodriguez’s inviting corner kick prodded into the net by Jefferson Lerma after the Crystal Palace midfielder had seen his initial header repelled by Izzo.

Data Debrief: Rodriguez and Diaz showcase their class

After a blistering start to life in Germany, with 16 goal involvements (11 goals, five assists) in 17 appearances across all competitions, Diaz transferred his form onto the international stage with another eye-catching display here.

Indeed, he ended the game with team-high totals for shots (six), touches in the opposition box (10), successful dribbles (five) and total duels (13), but the former Liverpool star was also helped by the experienced Rodriguez.

Rodriguez created five chances, played 39 passes in the final third, produced eight crosses and won possession back for his team five times, more than any other player within Nestor Lorenzo’s ranks.

For Australia, however, their late collapse saw them concede three goals in the final 15 minutes of a men’s international for the first time since April 1968, when they lost 3-1 against Japan.