Goals: Doue 29', 56', Thuram 41' - Campaz 77'

Coach Didier Deschamps made a complete change to the starting lineup compared to the 2-1 win against Brazil three days prior. Despite fielding what was considered a second-string squad, France proved too strong for Colombia, a team that finished third in the South American World Cup qualifiers.

At the 29th minute, Doue's shot from 16 meters deflected off a Colombian defender, changing direction to open the scoring for France. Marcus Thuram then comfortably headed in a right-wing cross at the 41st minute, doubling the lead.

Doue celebrates a goal in France's 3-1 friendly win over Colombia in the US on the evening of 29/3. *Photo: AP*

The 2022 World Cup runner-up team continued to dominate after the break. At the 56th minute, Doue's shot rebounded off goalkeeper Alvaro Montero into the net, increasing the score to 3-0 and completing his personal brace. Colombia managed to score one goal in the 77th minute, a diagonal shot from Jaminton Campaz.

From the middle of the second half, Coach Deschamps brought in Hugo Ekitike and Kylian Mbappe. France's main attacking duo threatened Colombia's goal multiple times, including one instance where the ball entered the net but was disallowed for offside.

France concluded their late March friendly tour with two victories. Deschamps' team asserted their position as one of the two top contenders, alongside Spain, before the World Cup finals begin in June.

Meanwhile, Colombia continued their losing streak after a 1-2 defeat to Croatia. Luis Diaz and his teammates somewhat disappointed viewers, despite having just finished the South American qualifiers in third place, behind only Argentina and Ecuador.

Thanh Quy