In the following match against Chile on 11 October, Colombia shockingly gave up three goals in the first 30 minutes. Pékerman was criticized for his lineup choices once more, where he then made two essential subs immediately in the second half, which eventually led into Colombia scoring the three required goals, thus allowing them to tie the game and qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 16 years. Days later, Colombia topped off their qualification against Paraguay, where they were ironically red carded a man following an early goal by Paraguay. However, a ten-man Colombia managed to make a 1–2 comeback to win the game and gain their highest ever point record in the World Cup qualifying history, both goals being scored by captain and defender Mario Yepes.
