Lara's Coaching Career and Impact on Colombian Football
The trajectory of Lara's coaching career is defined by a deep commitment to youth development and a series of high-stakes assignments with the Colombian national teams. From guiding teenage prospects on the world stage to managing the senior squad during critical World Cup qualifiers, Lara has navigated the complexities of international football across multiple age groups.
Key Facts
- Led Colombia U20s to the 2005 South American Championship title.
- Served as the permanent manager of the Colombian senior national team for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
- Guided Colombia to victory in the 2011 Toulon Tournament.
- Managed El Nacional in the Ecuadorian Serie A starting in November 2019.
- Achieved a fourth-place finish at the 2003 U-17 World Championship.
Successes in Youth Development
Lara first made a significant mark with the Colombia U17s, leading them to a third-place finish at the 2002 South American Championship. This achievement secured their qualification for the following year's U-17 World Championship, where the team performed strongly, eventually finishing fourth after a semi-final loss to the champions, Brazil.
Transitioning to the U20 level, Lara reached a pinnacle in 2005 by leading the Colombia U20s to the South American Championship title. This victory propelled them into the 2005 U20 World Cup. While the team dominated their group, they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Argentina, a squad that featured a young Lionel Messi.
In 2007, while the U20 team missed the World Cup, Lara's influence remained evident as the under-17s qualified for the World Cup after finishing as runners-up to Brazil in the South American championship. Their journey in that tournament ended in the round of 16 following a defeat to Nigeria, the eventual champions.
Managing the Senior National Team
On September 19, 2008, Lara was appointed as the provisional manager of the Colombian national team following the dismissal of Jorge Luis Pinto by the Colombian Football Federation. He was initially tasked with leading the team through 2010 World Cup qualifiers, specifically in matches against Paraguay and Brazil.
A pivotal draw against Brazil in Rio de Janeiro impressed the federation, leading to Lara's appointment as the permanent manager for the remainder of the qualifiers. Despite this initial promise, Colombia failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Lara resigned from his position after securing 13 points across 10 games.
Later International and Club Career
Lara's subsequent tenure with the youth teams saw mixed results. At the 2011 South American Championship, Colombia struggled significantly, finishing last in the final phase with only one point. This poor performance resulted in the team missing the 2012 Summer Olympics.
However, the team rebounded during the 2011 U20 World Cup, where Colombia had already secured a spot as the host nation. Under Lara, the team won every game in their group, conceding only a single goal. After defeating Costa Rica in the round of 16, they were eventually eliminated 3-1 in the quarter-finals by Mexico. Adding to his accolades that year, Lara led Colombia to the title in the 2011 Toulon Tournament, a prestigious friendly competition for youth teams.
Moving into club management, Lara joined El Nacional of the Ecuadorian Serie A, with the signing officially announced on November 12, 2019.
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Career Summary Table
| Year | Team/Competition | Achievement/Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2002-2003 | Colombia U17 | 3rd in South American Championship; 4th in World Championship |
| 2005 | Colombia U20 | South American Championship Winners; Round of 16 in World Cup |
| 2008-2009 | Colombia Senior Team | Managed 2010 World Cup Qualifiers (13 points in 10 games) |
| 2011 | Colombia U20 | Toulon Tournament Winners; World Cup Quarter-finalists |
| 2019 | El Nacional | Appointed Manager (Ecuadorian Serie A) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which major title did Lara win with the Colombia U20s?
Lara led the Colombia U20 team to victory in the 2005 South American Championship.
How did Lara's tenure as the senior national team manager end?
Lara resigned as manager after Colombia failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, having earned 13 points in 10 matches.
What was Colombia's performance in the 2011 U20 World Cup?
Colombia finished first in their group, winning all matches and conceding only one goal, before losing 3-1 to Mexico in the quarter-finals.
Which club did Lara join in 2019?
Lara signed as the new manager for El Nacional in the Ecuadorian Serie A on November 12, 2019.
Did Lara win any other international tournaments?
Yes, Lara led the Colombian team to the title in the 2011 Toulon Tournament.