Matías Orozco marked his first call-up to the Colombia senior national team by scoring his maiden goal in Spain. The midfielder, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion to CD Castellón, found the net in his side's 5-0 victory over Tenerife in the Segunda División.
The strike came in the 24th minute of the first half, with Castellón already leading 1-0. Orozco, a right-footed player, received a pass in midfield, turned, and finished with his left foot to extend the advantage. He wore the number 6 shirt in the match, which ended in a comprehensive rout.
The summons from head coach Néstor Lorenzo for the upcoming friendlies against Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru did not catch him off guard. The Colombian Football Federation had asked him to begin U.S. Visa procedures several weeks prior, a clear sign of their intent. "I hope to enjoy the experience 'and the privilege' of being with the National Team," Orozco said.
The Barranquilla-born player, developed in Deportivo Cali's youth ranks, admitted to feeling nervous when his name was read out among the 26 selected players. He acknowledges the fierce competition for a place, with established teammates like Jhon Arias and Yáser Asprilla ahead of him. Jorge Carrascal, who typically wears the number 8 shirt Orozco used in youth teams, was not selected for these matches.
His arrival into the national team fold comes at a high point for Colombia. The side tops its World Cup group with 7 points from three games and is on a five-match unbeaten run, with three wins and two draws.
Orozco, whose transfer to Brighton was valued at 4.1 million euros, sees this call-up as part of his life's dream. He believes he can be an important figure in the team's generational renewal ahead of the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup. "The jersey I get, that one is already promised: the first one for my parents and the others for my sister," he stated about the honour of wearing the national colours. Riding high after his goal in Spain, the young midfielder now prepares to join Néstor Lorenzo's squad, which aims to protect its unbeaten status at the top of the standings.
Background and full detail: El Colombiano Deportes
