Lorenzo urges Colombia to attack against DR Congo

Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo said his team must be at its attacking best to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo in their World Cup Group K clash on Tuesday.

Colombia began its campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in Mexico City while DR Congo opened with a 1-1 draw against Portugal in Houston.

"We need to score more goals," Lorenzo told a news conference on Monday.

"We had studied several aspects of Congo, but things have changed. They have players competing at the highest level in Europe, and that makes them very strong. It is a team that keeps two important forwards up front, so we must avoid transitions and counterattacks."

Colombia is likely to need only a draw from its remaining group-stage matches to advance to the round of 32. But Lorenzo said his team would play to win no matter what the situation.

"We must maintain a style, a playing identity that we have to respect," the Argentine said. "That is the path we need to follow. We will go out with an attacking tactical approach and make the most of our players' strengths."

He highlighted the versatility within his 26-man squad, saying he felt confident adapting his lineup and formation to any opponent.

"The versatility of my players is something I applaud," he said. "We have played against teams with two forwards like Congo and have used a back four with a sweeper pushing forward, or a back three.

"We have midfielders who know how to press high or maintain the defensive structure from deep, and we have a couple of very good wing-backs going forward from midfield."

Lorenzo said he had not yet decided upon his starting lineup for the match at Guadalajara Stadium.

"I still haven't told my players who is going to play," he said. "We always consider changes. We have a very evenly matched group and we always adapt according to the opponent."