page_title: Cristián Zapata
section_title: International career
hierarchical_section_title: Cristián Zapata / International career
caption_attribution_description: Русский: Матч Бразилия-Колумбия на Чемпионате мира по футболу 2014-07-04English: Brazil and Colombia match at the FIFA World Cup 2014-07-04Português: Brasil e Colômbia , primeiro jogo da Copa do Mundo de 2014-07-04
context_page_description: Cristián Eduardo Zapata Valencia is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A side Genoa. A quick and physically powerful defender, known for his hard marking of opponents and strength in the air, he usually plays as a centre back. Although naturally right footed, he can also play as a full-back on either side of the pitch, as he is comfortable with both feet.
  He began his career in Colombia with Deportivo Cali in 2004, transferring to Serie A club Udinese the following year. After spending several seasons with Udinese, Zapata signed for Spanish club Villarreal. In 2012, he returned to Italy, joining the ranks of A.C. Milan. Following the expiration of his contract with the Rossoneri, he joined Serie A counterpart Genoa in 2019.
  A Colombian international since 2008, he has represented his nation at the 2011, 2015 and 2016, and 2019 editions of the Copa América, as well at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.
context_section_description: Zapata was a member of Colombian U-20 team that won the 2005 South American Youth Championship and the team that played at 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, who lost to Argentina in the round of 16. Zapata was unavailable in the first 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match.
  In the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match, Zapata finally got his first spot chance since under new coach Jose Pekerman against South American leaders Argentina. In the 26th minute, while defending the ball inside Colombia's box from Gonzalo Higuaín, Higuain fell to the side while losing balance and kicked the thigh of Zapata in anger. In reaction, Zapata questioned him and kicked him back, resulting in him receiving a red card along with Higuain. Zapata was later criticized for not controlling himself and allowing the referee to give Higuain the red card while simply walking away, which would have allowed Colombia an 11 men advantage over a 10 men Argentina.
  In May 2018 he was named in Colombia's preliminary 35-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
  On 30 May 2019, Zapata was included in the 23-man final Colombia squad for the 2019 Copa América.
caption: Brazil's Fred competing Colombia's Zapata (in the middle) and Juan Cuadrado for the ball in the quarter-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup
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