After watching Colombia dictate proceedings against Uruguay, head coach Jose Pekerman could not fault his players following Tuesday's entertaining 2-2 draw.
Hosts Colombia earned a point against the South American high-flyers in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying thanks to Yerry Mina's first international goal with six minutes remaining.
The Colombians – playing without injured captain James Rodriguez – were on the front foot for most of the match, despite watching Cristian Rodriguez cancel out Abel Aguilar's opener in the first half, until Luis Suarez gave Uruguay a surprise 73rd-minute lead.
Colombia, however, refused to surrender as they stayed within three points of Uruguay, much to Pekerman's pleasure.
"We have to take responsibility, we made some mistakes and paid a very high price, but I cannot overlook that we did good things against a great team," Pekerman said.
"I feel that my players tried to play well and, when it was difficult, had the attitude and strength to go and look for a better result.
"In football and in matches of such importance, goals, and the moments in which they occur, are a very important factor. We were imposing our game and the equaliser came at an unexpected time. It happened to us again for Suarez's goal, which was a blow.
"We got into the game in the second half, Edwin [Cardona] did well and the team began to flow, but the opponent took advantage of their chances and we must recognise they got the result because they scored goals."
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