CommBank Socceroos defeated 3-0 by World No.13 Colombia

The CommBank Socceroos have fallen 3-0 to World No.13 Colombia at Citi Field, New York.

James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz and Jefferson Lerma were on the scoresheet as Colombia overran an Australian team who were searching for an equaliser late in the game.

The defeat came in Australia's final international match of 2025, in a year that featured automatic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 26™ and a 12-game unbeaten run leading into last month's game against USA.

Head Coach Tony Popovic made five changes to the team that were defeated by Venezuela on the weekend. Paul Izzo was preferred to last game's debutant and Player of the Match Patrick Beach in goal. Kye Rowles and Cameron Burgess came in to facilitate a back five, with Jackson Irvine and Riley McGree given the nod in midfield. 

Those changes meant that Nestory Irankunda, Patrick Beach, Paul Okon-Engstler and Craig Goodwin started from the bench, while Jason Geria missed out through injury.

Colombia showed their intent early. The Socceroos were forced to play through an incredibly high press, testing the side's ability to remain calm under pressure and retain possession in challenging circumstances.

Global superstars Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez were busy for the South American side, playing the role of conductors in attack. Diaz forced a good save out of Izzo in the 23rd minute and looked the most likely throughout the first half for Colombia.

The best chances of the half for Australia came from a pair of Riley McGree free-kicks. His 34th-minute strike flew over the crossbar, but he forced a wonderful save out of Colombian keeper Vargas with the last kick of the half.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first. The Socceroos were highly organised in defence, shutting down their higher-ranked opponents, but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities from open play.

Max Balard and Callum Elder were introduced in the 60th minute by Popovic, replacing Jackson Irvine and Kye Rowles, respectively.

Colombia's breakthrough eventually came via a penalty. Rodriguez found Arias in the penalty area, who was judged to have been brought to ground by Callum Elder. The referee deemed the contact too forceful and Rodriguez made no mistake from the penalty spot, sending Izzo the wrong way to give Colombia the lead.

A triple change for the Socceroos followed the goal. Nestory Irankunda, Martin Boyle and Paul Okon-Engstler were introduced, with Aiden O'Neill, Connor Metcalfe and Riley McGree withdrawing as Australia searched for the equaliser.

Colombia's second came as a result of the Socceroos pushing forward. A ball over the top caught out Australia's defence, and Luis Diaz - with assistance from Camilo Vargas - poked it home.

Jefferson Lerma added a third after a scramble from a set piece in stoppage time to secure the victory for his nation.

Full-time marked the end of a disappointing international window for the Socceroos, but one that was not without plenty of opportunity for learning and growth ahead of competitive fixtures to come.

Match Summary

Colombia: 3 (10. James Rodriguez 76', 7.Luis Diaz 89', 16. Jefferson Lerma 90+3')
Australia: 0

Colombia: 12. Camilo Vargas (GK), 3. Jhon Lucumi, 4. Santiago Arias, 6. Richard Rios (14. Gustavo Puerta 70'), 7. Luis Diaz, 10. James Rodriguez, 15. Juan Camilo Portilla (8. Jorge Carrascal 81'), 17. Johan Mojica, 20. Luis Suarez (19. Rafael Santos Borre 70'), 22. Yaser Asprilla (16. Jefferson Lerma 81'), 23. Davinson Sanchez

Unused substitutes: 1. David Ospina (GK), 25. Alvaro Montero (GK), 5. Kevin Castano, 9. Jhon Cordoba, 11. Jhon Arias, 13. Yerry Mina, 18. Johan Carbonero, 21. Carlos Cuesta, 24. Alvaro Angulo, 26. Andres Gomez

Yellow Cards: 16. Jefferson Lerma 86', 14. Gustavo Puerta 90+5'
Red Cards: Nil

Australia: 12. Paul Izzo (GK), 2. Milos Degenek, 3. Lewis Miller, 4. Kye Rowles (5. Callum Elder 60'), 8. Connor Metcalfe (6. Martin Boyle 78'), 9. Mohamed Toure, 13. Aiden O’Neill (20. Paul Okon-Engstler 78'), 14. Riley McGree (7. Nestory Irankunda 78'), 15. Kai Trewin, 21. Cameron Burgess, 22. Jackson Irvine (16. Max Balard 60')

Unused Substitutes: 1. Mat Ryan (GK), 18. Patrick Beach (GK), 11. Al Hassan Toure, , 17. Cameron Devlin, 23. Craig Goodwin, 24. James Overy, 25. Jack Iredale

Yellow Cards: 13. Aiden O’Neill 21’, 4. Kye Rowles 51'
Red Cards: Nil