Colombia have topped their FIFA World Cup group and now advance into the knockout rounds with genuine ambitions of a deep tournament run — a turnaround that many trace back to a chastening loss against France just months before the competition began.

The defeat was painful, but it appears to have served as a catalyst. Colombia emerged from that result with a sharper tactical focus and a renewed hunger, qualities that have defined their group-stage campaign and driven them into the last 16 with momentum on their side.

Finishing first in the group is no small achievement at a World Cup. It delivers a more favourable path through the bracket and announces Colombia as a side that opponents will be forced to respect. The squad have backed up early promise with consistent performances, turning a moment of embarrassment into a foundation for belief.

The France fixture, though a heavy defeat at the time, now reads differently in hindsight. It exposed weaknesses, forced the coaching staff to make difficult decisions, and ultimately demanded a higher standard from every player in the squad. Those demands appear to have been met.

Colombia now enter the knockout stage carrying the confidence of group winners and the experience of having already weathered adversity. Whether that combination proves enough to propel them deep into the tournament remains to be seen — but the journey from that low point against France to topping their group is a story worth watching.