Colombia's national team can cling to a few consolations after their recent World Cup elimination, but one of them has a special value. The national team was the last team to beat Spain before their historic 38-game unbeaten streak that led them to win the World Cup.
On March 22, 2024, Colombia surprised the then-Nations League champion by winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Daniel Muñoz. That victory, which was seen as an important authority for the team led by Néstor Lorenzo at the time, acquired even more relevance with the passage of time.
What other precedent does Colombia have against a World Cup champion?
In the 1990 World Cup, the team led by Francisco Maturana was the only one able to avoid a victory by West Germany during the tournament. In the group stage, Colombians and Germans drew 1-1 thanks to the unforgettable goal from Freddy Rincón in the final minutes.
Why is this precedent important for Colombia?
These precedents also reflect that the Colombian national team has demonstrated, in different moments of its history, the ability to compete on equal terms against the powers of the world football. The victory over Spain and the draw against Germany in 1990 evidence that the Colombian team can significantly raise its level when facing rivals with greater tradition and palmares.
What comes next?
However, those historical records are not enough to sustain the present of the national team. Football lives in the present and in results, so Colombia needs to turn that potential into successful campaigns and titles that support its growth.
The last time we played, Colombia won 3-0 against Australia on November 19, 2025. Recently, we have been on a streak of 3 wins and 2 draws in our last 5 games (WWDWD).
Q&A block:
- What was the last team to beat Spain before they became World Cup champions? The last team to beat Spain was Colombia, which won 1-0 on March 22, 2024 with a goal from Daniel Muñoz.
- What other precedent does Colombia have against a World Cup champion? In the 1990 World Cup, the team led by Francisco Maturana was the only one able to avoid a victory by West Germany during the tournament.
