After years in the international wilderness, Colombia are back and ready to make some noise with a volume matched only by Carlos Valderrama’s haircut.
Top man
Even if Radamel Falcao does make a recovery that would put Lazarus to shame and plays some part in Brazil, there’s no way in hell he’ll be at the peak of his powers; he simply couldn’t be after so long out with such a serious injury.
Step forward Monaco attacker James Rodriguez, the 22-year old, who, you may have forgotten, moved to the Ligue 1 side for over 40 million quid (euros that is) from Porto last summer.
Rodriguez hasn’t exactly been pulling up luxurious palm trees since his move to the south of France, but nine goals in 34 appearances was a solid return for a man whose best days are ahead of him and who is already a darling amongst Colombia supporters.
A very tricky performer who is comfortable on the wing or in the middle, he could be one of the stars of the tournament if he plays to his full potential.
Rising star
He’s diminutive, left-footed, incredibly skilful, South American, he wears the number ten shirt and he’s been tipped for greatness from an early age. Now, where have we heard that one before? Comparisons with Lionel Messi are premature and Juan Fernando Quintero, like most mere mortals, will probably never scale the heights that the great one has in his career to date, but there’s a lot for Colombian supporters to admire all the same, particularly based on his displays in the FIFA under-20 World Cup last year.
Currently plying his trade with Porto (who seem to have a fondness for tricky Colombian wingers, see Rodriguez, James), Quintero has only made three appearances for the national side so far, but he scored within a minute of making his Porto debut earlier this season so don’t rule out a similarly immediate impact in Brazil next month.
Did you know?
As he’s not likely to be first choice, it probably won’t happen, but if Colombian ‘keeper Faryd Mondragón makes an appearance at the World Cup, he will become the oldest player ever to play in the history of the tournament.
Mondragón, who will turn 43 during the group stages, is the only survivor from the last Colombian team to play in the World Cup, when England nudged them towards a group stage exit at France ’98. The man makes Ryan Giggs look like a mere whippersnapper.
Reasons for Ireland fans to support them
Those of you know who know your history will be aware of a pretty significant connection between Ireland and Colombia, dating back to the time when Irish volunteers fought on the Colombian side as they battled to gain independence from Spain in the early nineteenth century.
There was significant Irish involvement in famous battles such as the Vargas Swamp Battle and the Battle of Boyacá, following which the influential leader Simón Bolívar acknowledged the crucial role of the Irish volunteers. ‘Hon Colombia!
If they were a TV series
They’d be Dallas. Both were at their peak in the late 80s and early 90s and after a fairly lengthy hiatus, they’re finally making a comeback.
Prediction
It’s not the easiest group to call, but playing on their own continent with an experienced coach at the helm in José Pékerman and some exciting young players to call upon, we expect Colombia to top the group ahead of a quarter-final exit.
Tournament odds with Ladbrokes – 25/1
