BARRANQUILLA, Colombia, Sept 11, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - World champions Argentina suffered their second defeat in CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup with a James Rodriguez penalty condemning them to a 2-1 loss to Colombia on Tuesday.

The victory was sweet revenge for a Colombia team who had lost to Argentina in July's final of the Copa America.

Colombia, backed by a passionate crowd at the Metropolitano Stadium, took the lead in the 25th minute when, from a short corner, Rodriguez chipped a cross to the back post where Yerson Mosquera rose to head home.

With Rodriguez prompting in midfield and Luis Diaz a threat with his pace down the flanks, Colombia were well on top in the opening half against a sluggish Argentina, without the injured Lionel Messi.

But three minutes after the interval, the visitors drew level when a misplaced pass from Rodriguez was pounced upon by Nicolas Gonzalez, who raced away, held off Mosquera and slotted past the advancing Colombia keeper Camilo Vargas.

Twelve minutes later, though, Colombia restored their lead in controversial fashion.

Daniel Munoz went down after a lunging challenge from Nicolas Otamendi and after several minutes, the referee was sent to the VAR monitor and awarded a penalty.

James stepped up to the spot, against penalty specialist Emiliano Martinez and confidently slotted home, sending the keeper the wrong way.

Colombia striker Jhon Duran missed a great chance to make it 3-1 when he was found unmarked in the centre of the box but fired straight at Martinez.