Columbia (Los Cafeteros) in Brazil……..
Their previous attempts in this competition has not been anything special. In four attempts they’ve had at the trophy, they have managed to advance out of their group on one occasion (1990). To be fair, they won’t have made it out of their group in the present format for the competition. With 24 teams in contention, coming in third in their group was enough to secure them an advancement into the Round of 16.
We might have a dark horse in the competition. Colombia is walking in this competition with a 9-3-4 (W-D-L) record from the CONMEBOL. They were 2 points and some goal away from taking the top spot from Messi and Co.
Predicting how the team will fare based on their qualification run is a little shaky at the moment. Radamel Falcao, the leader of the attacking side of the team, is out for an injury that puts his eligibility for the World Cup into question.
The Venom
Radamel Falcao
Radamel Falcao entered into European football through he Portuguese side, Porto. His time there was spent showing the rest of Europe and the World, how lethal he is to a defensive line-up. You know you are a quality striker, when Atletico Madrid is interested in your services.
His move to Spain didn’t slow down this striker. His impressive work in the attacking third made him an highlighted commodity on the shopping list of other European giants. He is now with AS Monaco FC, after the financial take-over of the team. He is that good of a striker, a classic No.9. His possible absence from the 2014 World Cup will be noticed when Columbia faces of with well organized defense. He is a morale boost for the team, and might be the difference in Colombia’s World Cup pursuit.
If injury does not permit Falcao to represent Colombia in the 2014 World Cup, there is Teófilo Gutiérrez. Gutiérrez is leads River Plate attacks. He is not an international star like Falcao, but it doesn’t take international stardom to punish a defense. He was well involved in the qualification process, and he will in no doubt be involves in this quest.
Jackson Martinez
Another player to look at in the striking position will be Jackson Martínez. He is possibly Porto’s attempt to replace Falcao. That was a be a big shoe to fill, and he did that by ending the 2013 Primeira Liga as top scorer. Martinez’s confidence in attack is definitely something we can see in resemblance to his country man.
The Control and Support
Colombia has the young and rising midfield talent, James Rodriguez. At 22 year old attacking midfielder is the second most expensive player from the Portuguese League. He is a promising talent, and being bought by AS Monaco FC to help in the revival of the team says a lot about how this player. He is a versatile player in the midfield, and will be sure to aid the attack from different avenues in the middle.
James Rodriguez
Another creative midfielder who is also a veteran in the team is Aldo Leão Ramírez. At 32, he is still sharp and reads the game even better than his youthful days.
Fredy Guarín is another member of the Colombian midfield that can take the stage in the 2014 tournament. Also look out for the Fiornetina winger, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado to push for attack from the flanks.
The Bouncers
In defense, we have the captain Mario Yepes. His experience will be needed to keep the defensive line in order. As the most capped player on the team, his leadership will be going beyond the defensive line. Other impressive defenders that will be available to Colombia are A.C. Milan’s Cristián Zapata and Napoli’s Juan Camilo Zúñiga.
So what is it for Columbia? What are their odds?
Their only major trophy in history is the Copa America in 2001, which they played as host. Outside home advantage, they are yet to impress the world.
Group C is a favorable group for Colombia. In a group with Greece, Cote d’Ivoire and Japan, it is fair to say that the odds of coming out of this group is pretty good for Los Cafeteros.
Advancing from Group C in first or second might not give a team any advantage. The ‘Round of 16’ matches will be played against advanced teams of Group D. As far as the world of futbol is concerned, any team to survive Group D will not be an easy team to beat.
Colombia looks to get out of their group, but its looks very likely that history might repeat itself and leave them at the Round of 16.
As always, there will be some drama, suspense and surprises. And that is why we will have to be watching to see if Colombia will make their advantage count.
