COUNTDOWN 11: It’s Falcao and Rodriguez for Colombia

Colombia is back in the World Cup after a 16-year hiatus and the South American nation will hang its hopes on two of its biggest stars, Monaco’s duo of Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez.

“Tiger” Falcao has won several titles in Europe with both Porto and Atletico Madrid, and he was Europa League’s top scorer for two consecutive years (2011 and 2012). His powerful playing style, coupled with bullet shots, headers and predatory skills earned him a mouth-watering move to AS Monaco. The 27-year-old has also come of age in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, scoring nine goals in 13 games in the South American section, as Colombia qualified finishing third on the log.

While Falcao scores the goals, Rodriguez creates them. Be it coming from the wings or going through the centre, the former Porto winger’s dribbling and trickery is a delight to watch and he also possesses a dangerous left foot. He has assisted 14 goals and weighed in the same number for his club side. He has also delivered the goods for Colombia, creating a plethora of chances and scoring three goals during qualification.

The Colombian national team’s meteoric rise in recent years has been orchestrated by a certain wily-old Argentine, Jose Pekerman. The 64-year-old former Argentina national and youth team coach took charge of Los Cafeteros in 2012, culminating in improved performances.

His tenure has seen the hitherto underperforming Falcao and Rodriguez take central roles. With a set of astute tactics and man-management skills, he has turned Colombia from underperformers to dark horses and then world contenders, rubbing shoulders with Argentina and Brazil without being trampled upon.

He has taken Colombia to the dizzying heights of fifth in the FIFA rankings; the country was seeded in the World Cup draw and will be expected to make the round-of-16 and possibly beyond.

Granted Colombian nationality after a successful qualification campaign, Coach Pekerman also has a personal challenge of a successful Colombian World Cup campaign.

The country has appeared in four World Cups — getting ready for the fifth — and have managed only a round-of-16 appearance in 1990 with a golden generation that included playmaker Carlos Valderrama and exciting goalkeeper, Rene Higuita.

The present golden generation has quality players in almost every position, spearheaded by Falcao, Jackson Martinez, Freddy Guarin, Rodriguez, Juan Caudrado, Juan Zuniga, Cristian Zapata and Captain Mario Yepes, all plying their trade in Europe’s best leagues.

Strength

A staunch defence marshalled by veterans Yepes and Perea finished the 16-match group with the best defence, conceding only 13 goals. Coupled with a potent attack which has various outlets, the Colombians could surprise the big teams in Brazil.

Weakness

Jose Pekerman is his own devil. He has a variety of tactics and based on the opponent, he adjusts it. However, the continuous use of a winning formula does not appeal to him, and sudden change in tactics resulted in negative outcomes during qualifiers. Fans will hope he doesn’t try it in Brazil.

Last Line

A half-fit Falcao can still destroy the smaller teams, but in fellow striker Jackson Martinez, the big teams will still quiver. He has the same qualities of Falcao and betters him for pace. The sooner Pekerman realizes this, the better for Colombia’s chances.