Suarez noted the high internal competition within the 26-player squad. "It is a great emotion to be among the 26 chosen.
We are privileged to be here. Everyone works to earn a spot.
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The competition is spectacular, and the coach will decide who plays in the starting lineup."
Suarez also praised captain James Rodriguez, who enters the tournament at age 34. "I have seen James represent our country since I was young.
He transforms when he puts on this yellow shirt. It is an honor to have him as a teammate.
He is the maximum reference of our national team."
Coaches' Perspectives
Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo provided an update on Rodriguez's physical condition. "James arrives well.
He has been growing in terms of physical performance." Lorenzo emphasized that recent World Cup results show a balanced field.
"The World Cups are showing us that there are no small teams. We must not underestimate anyone."
Uzbekistan manager Fabio Cannavaro has structured his team with a three-defender system, relying on Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, creative midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev, and attacker Eldor Shomurodov.
"We don't have to be afraid of anyone," Cannavaro said before the debut.
According to AI models reported by si.
com, Colombia holds a 62 percent probability of winning, while a draw stands at 24 percent and an Uzbekistan victory at 14 percent.
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Group K also includes Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
