Colombia went from being one of the strongest teams on the continent until they lost 3-2 against Uruguay in Montevideo and fell in Barranquilla after more than two years 0-1 against Ecuador.which also showed La Tri’s first victory as visitors over the coffee growers after 59 years.
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The poor defensive performance of Sánchez and Lucumí, the injury that reduced the performance of James Rodríguez or the failures in front of the goal of Jhon Córdoba may have been the factors that led to the loss of Colombia on November 15 and 19; however, In networks they blame Boca Juniors for being “muffed” the coffee team.
After Colombia’s win against Ecuador, “Boca predio” became a trend in X Argentina as multiple users recalled that Néstor Lorenzo’s team prepared before the FIFA date at the Boca Juniors sports headquarters in Ezeiza.
“In preparation for the qualifiers, Colombia trained at the Boca campus. The result? Two games lost. liquidate you”, “Serna is joking with her companion, everything about Boca is definitely bad luck” or “The Colombians have already understood that they have to train elsewhere when they return, that Boca is lost”, are some of the most significant publications in this regard.
That’s worth mentioning The mufa or mufar is an Argentinian expression that indicates bad luck for something or a specific person.which is comparable to the negative meaning that the term salt acquires in Colombia in certain contexts.
The Colombian team lost in Barranquilla after more than two years – Social Networks creditsBoca Juniors was also a trend in Argentina as their stadium was lent for the duel in which Argentina defeated Peru 1-0, but during the match the fans chanted against River Plate and did not support the Albiceleste team.
While Messi and company were playing the game, chants could be heard in the stands with references to Boca’s international titles and River Plate’s relegation, which was criticized by some users on social networks.
“Scaloneta is on your court and you prefer to sing about your rival, they don’t understand anything“, “Boca fans showed today that they know more about River than everyone else, they had Messi and didn’t encourage him”, “More kids than singing about River when your team wins against you park”, were some of the most significant publications on this controversy.
In Argentina they blamed Boca for the defeat of the Colombian team – credit Social NetworksWith the match against Ecuador, 2024 ended for the Colombian team, which They will be in action again on the FIFA date in March, when they face Brazil as visitors and Paraguay in Barranquilla.
So far, the only absence confirmed for the match in Rio de Janeiro is the striker Jhon Jader Durán, who received a yellow card in the last game and will not be able to play against the five-time world champion; In addition, 10 coffee players will come prepared for that commitment.
What are the psychological effects of training in a perceived ”unlucky” environment for athletes?
Time.news Interview: The Impact of Training at Boca Juniors on Colombia’s National Team Performance
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Alejandro Torres, a sports psychologist and football analyst, to discuss the recent performance of Colombia’s national football team. Dr. Torres, thanks for joining us!
Dr. Alejandro Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an intriguing topic.
Editor: Colombia’s national team recently faced two disappointing losses against Uruguay and Ecuador after training at Boca Juniors’ facilities. What’s your take on the correlation between their training environment and performance?
Dr. Torres: Well, the idea of a training environment significantly influencing performance is well-documented in sports psychology. In this case, some fans have humorously attributed Colombia’s poor results to the ”mufa” phenomenon, a term that indicates bad luck associated with a place. While it might seem superstitious, the mental state of players can be heavily influenced by their surroundings.
Editor: So, is it possible that the players’ mindset was affected by this perception of “mufa”?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. Psychological factors play a critical role in sports. When a team believes they are entering a “cursed” or “unlucky” space, it can affect their confidence and performance. If players unconsciously expect failure because of the negative sentiment around Boca Juniors, it might lead to increased anxiety, which can manifest in missed opportunities and defensive errors.
Editor: You mentioned confidence and anxiety. Following the two losses, what should Colombia focus on to improve their chances moving forward in the qualifiers?
Dr. Torres: First and foremost, they need to address the psychological aspects. A shift in mindset can be transformative. Team-building exercises in a neutral environment might help restore confidence. Additionally, focusing on fundamental skills and enhancing the team’s defensive strategies is crucial. They need to address mistakes made by players like Sánchez, Lucumí, and Córdoba that were highlighted during the matches.
Editor: In your opinion, how does the criticism on social media about their training at Boca impact the players?
Dr. Torres: Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it provides a platform for fans to express their opinions, negative comments can weigh heavily on players. Criticism can amplify feelings of pressure and scrutiny. It’s essential for the coaching staff to manage this by providing mental support and keeping the focus on preparation and unity rather than external perceptions.
Editor: Moving beyond the psychological factors, how do you evaluate the tactical choices made by coach Néstor Lorenzo in these matches?
Dr. Torres: Tactically, it’s vital for a coach to adapt strategies based on the opponent. While Colombia has traditionally had strong attacking capabilities, the reliance on stars like James Rodríguez must be balanced with a solid collective game. If key players are underperforming due to injuries or pressure, it’s crucial to have a game plan that utilizes the entire squad effectively.
Editor: That’s insightful! Lastly, what should we expect from the Colombian team in the upcoming qualifiers?
Dr. Torres: If they can regroup mentally and address the tactical shortcomings, there’s still potential for success. The key will be finding confidence, building team cohesion, and restoring belief in their abilities. With the right adjustments and a positive mindset, they can reclaim their status as a competitive team on the continent.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for sharing your perspective. It’s always enlightening to hear from an expert, especially during such pivotal moments for the Colombian national team.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope to see a resurgence from Colombia in the upcoming matches.
Editor: And to our readers, remember to stay tuned as we continue to cover the unfolding stories in sports. Until next time!