Caltex Socceroos v Colombia: fixture history

The Caltex Socceroos will play Colombia in March in a crucial lead-up match ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

With fellow South American side Peru in Australia’s group in Russia, the clash against Colombia will provide a great test for the national team.

Here’s a how we have fared against Colombia in three previous meetings with the current world number 13th ranked nation.

COLOMBIA 3-2 CALTEX SOCCEROOS: BOGOTA, FEBRUARY 28, 2001

In a friendly clash early in 2001, Frank Farina’s squad almost pulled off a stunning late comeback at the Nemesio Camacho Stadium.

A relatively Australian-based and inexperienced squad – featuring players like Con Blatsis, Stephen Laybutt, Kasey Wehrman and Fausto De Amicis - Australia fell behind after just 11 minutes as Jorge Serna’s header was too good for keeper Michael Petkovic.

The Aussies were right in the contest before goals from Nestor Salazar (66th minute) and Freddy Grisales (75th) had the hosts cruising.

But after Scott Chipperfield was brought down in the box, Steve Corica converted from the spot on 77 minutes before Chipperfield himself found the net a minute from the end after an error from keeper Farid Mondragon.

But Colombia held on in an entertaining clash in front of just over 2000 fans in Bogota.

Scott Chipperfield scored against Colombia in 2001.
Scott Chipperfield scored against Colombia in 2001.

CALTEX SOCCEROOS 0-1 COLOMBIA: SYDNEY, FERBRUARY 11, 1995

The Colombians were Down Under for a two-game friendly series, with the second match taking place at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Roared on by more than 15,000 fans, Eddie Thomson’s Aussies took the game to the South Americans from the outset but an attack led by Damien Mori and Warren Spink were unable to find a breakthrough.

And the visitors made the most of it midway through the second half as Hamilton Ricard’s strike past Zeljko Kalac handed them a narrow victory.

Hamilton Ricard's goal was the difference in Colombia's 1-0 win in Sydney.
Hamilton Ricard's goal was the difference in Colombia's 1-0 win in Sydney.

CALTEX SOCCEROOS 0-0 COLOMBIA: BRISBANE, FEBRUARY 8, 1995

After the issues Colombia faced at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA, mercurial goalkeeper Rene Higuita skippered the South American’s in the opening game of the two-match friendly series Down Under.

Brisbane’s Lang Park was the venue, with a young Tony Popovic making his senior international debut in Australia’s defence.

And “Popa” was superb alongside the likes of Tony Vidmar, Milan Ivanovic and Alex Tobin as the hosts kept the Colombian’s at bay in a hard-fought but entertaining goalless draw.

Tony Popovic made his Socceroos debut against Colombia in 1995.
Tony Popovic made his Socceroos debut against Colombia in 1995.