Colombia lacked rhythm in Copa opener - Pekerman
Jose Pekerman refused to get too downbeat despite Colombia's defeat to Venezuela in their Copa America opener.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A63qktaAkYHBNKfYaxC9T4.jpg)
Colombia can bounce back from Sunday's Copa America defeat to Venezuela, according to coach Jose Pekerman, who maintains his side will find top gear.
Jose Salomon Rondon's second-half header settled the Group C opener at the Estadio El Teniente as Pekerman's side looked a far cry from the challengers they had been billed as prior to the tournament.
Lacking invention and attacking threat for much of the clash, Colombia have work to do to qualify for the next round but Pekerman maintains all is not lost.
"We regret the defeat but congratulate Venezuela for being a great opponent," he told reporters.
"This is a typical opening match in the Copa America, where it always takes a little time to find the rhythm.
"Unfortunately in this game the result has not helped. We could not link the game and complete the passes that we usually do. We had difficulties."
Looking ahead to Colombia's clash with Brazil in Santiago on Wednesday, Pekerman added: "We will not change our system of play, all rivals are important."
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: Arne Slot Manager of Liverpool congratulates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the 4-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q3ie7X2vDDiU7X6C9HVRK7-840-80.jpg)
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
![CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: Wales captain Ryan Giggs shakes the hand of manager John Toshack after being substituted on his last International appearance for his country during the Euro 2008 Group D Qualifying Match between Wales and Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium on June 2, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by (Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ooQ9oNmgvfUUG8TBUhn6BK-840-80.jpg)
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack