Gustavo Puerta
CM
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Jul 23, 2003 (22)
Right
5'8"
161 lb
Four shots in draw
Puerta had four shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Portugal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 86th minute.
Analysis: Puerta generated Colombia's best looks on Saturday, taking four shots but failing to convert in the scoreless outing against Portugal. Throughout the group stage, he has been one of Colombia's most active attacking midfielders, totaling 10 shots, maintaining a strong 92 percent pass accuracy, and creating three significant chances. Having started all three matches, he is firmly established in the midfield and is likely to remain in the XI as Colombia advance. With his volume of involvement steadily increasing, he appears close to producing his first goal contribution of the tournament.
Five shots in strong display
Puerta registered five shots (two on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Tuesday's 1-0 win over DR Congo.
Analysis: Puerta continues to hold off Richard Rios for a starting midfield spot and justified his selection once again with a strong all round performance. He was a real threat from outside and around the edge of the box, troubling the opposition with his shooting technique and delivering some dangerous efforts from range, matching Luis Diaz for the most shots in the game with five. Defensively he did his share of the work too, winning one tackle, one interception and one clearance while drawing four fouls to help his side maintain momentum.
Provides assist in win
Puerta assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.
Analysis: Puerta played a disciplined role in Colombia's midfield as the team dominated possession and territory for large stretches of the match, helping control the tempo before Uzbekistan's second-half rally briefly threatened the result. He was the one providing the assist for Luis Diaz's goal in the 65th minute and he also provided a platform that allowed Colombia's more advanced players to operate freely in the final third. Puerta's composure in midfield will be needed again as Colombia face stiffer competition in their next group match.
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