Tottenham linked Wilmar Barrios assesses his World Cup performance

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Tottenham Hotspur linked midfielder tasted defeat in World Cup opener.

Colombia fell to a shock 2-1 defeat in their World Cup opener against Japan.

It was a disappointing start for the much fancied South Americans, who had Carlos Sanchez sent off after just three minutes.

Wilmar Barrios was a first half substitute as Colombia sought to reshuffle.

The central midfielder has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, with Argentine outlet Antenna 2 reporting there is an agreement in place for the Boca Juniors ace.

Barrios was booked during his hour on the pitch, and completed 80 per cent of his passes.

Speaking to Bola VIP, Barrios said he thought he played well.

He said: “I felt good, I thought that since I did not come with continuity and it had been a while since I played a game it would be different, but I felt very good, trying to give the group what I could. We hope to adjust the details and the mistakes we made and recover.”

The Boca Juniors midfielder missed the final fortnight of league action before the tournament with an injury, which prompted an outcry from the club’s fans who thought he was simply trying to preserve himself for Russia 2018.

Colombia face Poland in their next match with both teams looking to bounce back from opening defeats.