Colombia is one team in South America which have been posing threat to the classic regional powerhouses, Brasil and Argentina, in the past few years not only in the regional competition but also in the world cup. They have been playing in world cup final round quite regularly too. Since 1990s, this team has never stopped producing world class players whose talent is equal to those from Selecao and Albiceleste.
Overall Campaign
Colombia have been able to qualify to the final round on six occasions. Their maiden appearance in the world cup was not so memorable back then in Chile 1962. Colombia did manage to hold USSR in a 4-4 draw but lost to Yugoslavia and Uruguay. Their second one was quite long to materialise and Italy 1990 was a perfect one to make their return. This time, Carlos Valderrama and Co could progress to the second round after securing one win and draw plus only a defeat was enough to qualify. Unfortunately, Cameroon halted their campaign. After a series of disappointment in 1994 and 1998, Colombia came back stronger in 2014 and stunned the fans by reaching quarter finals. It is their best result so far since in 2018 edition, they headed to the exit in the round of 16.
Iconic Moments in the World Cup
Colombia’s memorable moment was probably the round of 16 in 2014. Jose Pekerman’s side was able to win 2-1 over Uruguay. James Rodriguez scored his brace, one of which was even awarded as the best goal in the tournament. Another one was on match day three of a group stage in World Cup 1990. They had to take on the favorite, Germany, and avoid losing here to be able to advance. Only two minutes before the final whistle, they conceded through Pierre Litsbarski. Yet, a very late equaliser during additional time finally came as Freddy Rincon buried the through ball from Carlos Valderrama. They finally went to the next stage.
Unfortunately, their most humiliating moment took place at the knock out stage. A game versus the dark horse Cameroon was a tight affair. They shared spoils in 90 minutes. The trouble began when Colombia’s eccentric goalie, Rene Higuita attempted to dribble the ball but held too long and Roger Milla dispossessed him and tucked away the ball. The veteran striker even doubled the African side lead before Bernardo Redin netted a lifeline. Their hope to go through dashed due to their own blunder.
Top Players & Managers
Their flamboyant skipper in 1990, 1994 and 1998 edition, Carlos Valderrama was definitely a key men in their 1990s success alongside Freddy Rincon, Rene Higuita and Bernard Redin. Meanwhile, in the 2010s generation, James Rodriguez, who won the Golden Boot award in Brazil 2014, was one important figure along with Falcao, Juan Cuadrado, David Ospinna and Yerry Mina. Both generations were under the command of Francisco Matturana and Jose Pekerman respectively.
