Team Preview – Colombia

Manager: Ever since 2012, Los Cafeteros have been coached by Jose Pekerman. The Argentinian played 235 domestic games in South America before an injury at 28 sent him into early retirement. Coaching a variety of Argentinian youth teams led him to surprisingly be offered the Argentinian U20 squad in 1994. His U20 Argentinian team went on to win not one, but three out of the four FIFA World Youth Championships between 1995 and 2001 (Argentina failed to reach the Quarter Finals in 1999). His success saw Pekerman coach Argentina in the 2006 World Cup. After dominating the groupstage, Argentina bowed out in the Quarter finals. In 2012, after coaching two Mexican sides, Pekerman became the new Colombian coach during qualifiers, the third coach of the campaign, and led the nation to their first World Cup in 16 years.

Star Player: At the start of the year, Radamel Falcao had the world at his feet. The €60m striker was touted as one of the best players in the world after an outstanding season landed him a multi-million euro deal at Monaco (without income tax either). Had it not been for a shock injury in a Coupe de France tie which saw Falcao serious damage knee ligaments and be in serious doubt for the World Cup, Falcao would be Colombia’s leading man. Up stepped talented youngster, and Monaco teammate, James Rodriguez.

Rodriguez, who only turns 23 a day before the World Cup Final, has already been compared to Colombia’s greatest player, Carlos Valderrama, and for granted reasons. The 22 year old, not to be outdone by his fellow countryman, also secured a multi-million dollar contract at money-rich Monaco after 3 amazing seasons at Portuguese giants, FC Porto. Identified early as a future star, the Colombian made his Argentinian 1st Division debut at age 16, and scored two weeks later. By 17, he was a first team regular. A winger-cum-playmaker, Rodriguez will be pulling the strings in the Colombian midfield in Brazil. The youngster arrives at the World Cup in hot form, having scored 10 and assisted 12 in 33 games for Monaco this season. With Falcao most likely missing the World Cup this year, the weight of the nation will be rested upon this future starlet.

Who to look out for: Named the New Golden Generation after numerous youth accolades in the 2000s, Colombia finally has a team comparable to the 1990s’ stars.  With numerous players plying their trades in Europe’s best leagues, Colombia is definitely a team to look out for. One player ready to light up the World Stage is Juan Guillermo Cuadrado. Once a right back, Colombia’s star winger is attracting heavy interest from Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal. Known for his unbelievable speed and agility, Cuardrado also possess an amazing passing game and defensive intelligence. The 25 year old enjoyed a stellar season for Fiorentina, scoring 15 goals in 43 games, and saw La Viola slap a €30m buy-out-clause on the Colombian.

Another Colombian attracting the attention of European powerhouses is versatile Inter Milan centre midfielder, Fredy Guarin. His imposing, strong figure takes nothing away from his silky touches and ability to spot a pass. With 47 caps, Guarin will play a central role in any success Colombia achieve.

Watching over this rather youthful Colombian team will be experienced head, Mario Yepes. At 38 years young, the veteran will finally get to play at a World Cup after racking up close to 100 caps for Los Cafeteros. Captain since 2008, Yepes will call on his experience from Argentina, France and Italy to lead Colombia to a possible Round of 16th birth; the equal highest finish for the nation.

The Draw:

15 June vs Greece (2am) – Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte

20 June vs Cote D’Ivoire (2am) – Estadio Nacional, Brasilia

25 June vs Japan (6am) – Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba

Prediction: Colombia faces a tough draw in Group C. 2004 Euro Winners Greece are joined by the highest ranked African nation, Cote D’Ivoire, and current Asian Cup holders Japan.  The Group has been written off by some, and may not look like a tough draw without your typical Spain’s, Brazil’s etc. However, these nations can all, and have, caused upsets. Colombia were able to put 4 past WC2010 semi-finalists Uruguay in qualifying. With Falcao in the team, Colombia will finish top. Their acclimatisation to South American weather and sheer strike power will be too strong for the other nations. However, with Falcao out of the equation, Colombia’s top place may be in danger, but should have enough quality to reach the Round of 16. Anything further success, though, may be optimistic. Colombia will face either of the top two teams from Group D; a group containing the likes of England, Italy and Uruguay.

FTSAUS Fact: Even with a poor previous World Cup record, and having not qualified for a World Cup since 1998, Colombia are ranked 5th in the world under current FIFA World Rankings. This is higher than previous World Cup winners Uruguay (6th), Argentina (7), Italy (9), England (11) and France (16).

Previous World Cup Best Appearance: At Italia 1990, the Colombians finished 3rd in a group containing West Germany, Yugoslavia and the UAE. A 2-0 win over UAE was followed by an impressive 1-1 draw against West Germany and a tight 0-1 loss to Yugoslavia. Under the old ‘3rd Place Ranking’ system, Colombia was given a Final 16 spot, where they met 38 year old Roger Milla’s Cameroon. Three goals in extra time, including a bizzare goal which saw Colombian goalkeeper Higuita disposed of the ball near half way, saw the Colombians bow out of the World Cup with a 1-2 loss.

Extra Time: Colombia is the proud home of eccentric goalkeeper Rene Higuita. Rene Higuita is the father of the “Scorpion Kick,” ranked 94th in the 100th Greatest Sporting Moments, created in a friendly match against England in 1995. The amazing moment was captured below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCxe4r6SjH0