OSPINA: FANS CAN HELP INSPIRE US
But when the Colombia midfielder steps out to face England in Moscow tomorrow he is a reminder of how some of Jose Pekerman’s squad grew up literally fighting for their lives. Quintero’s story is a mixture of shock, horror and regret, after failing to make the most of the talent that enabled him to escape the drug carteldominated streets of Medellin. He is looking to put the last part right by helping Colombia wreck England hopes of a quarter-final place.
Born in Comuna 13, a hillside slum that was a battle ground for cocaine gangs and paramilitary forces, Quintero was just two years old when his father, Jaime, left the family home to report for national service in March 1995. Jaime was sent to join the Voltigeros Batallion in the Uraba region of the country, but just a couple of days later was reported missing.
One army chief claimed Quintero senior had been caught taking drugs and sent back to Medellin by bus.
Another that he had become embroiled in a fight with an officer and transported back to his hometown by plane to be disciplined. But
The player once compared to Lionel Messi was threatening to quit and become a rapper
PREPARE for a Colombian invasion at the World Cup, says David Ospina.
The South Americans are expecting 40,000 of their fans to be in Moscow for Tuesday’s last-16 clash against England.
It was estimated around 30,000 were there for their last group match with Senegal.
Arsenal keeper Ospina reckons they will greatly outnumber England and that will help them sweep aside Gareth Southgate’s men.
He said: “The support has been incredible – it’s our inspiration. There are Colombians all over the world and they are here for us.
“It has felt like a home game in every game – they make more noise, have more colour and always have more government was blameless. And the only time Quintero has spoken about his dad was in April when he curiously said: “I was to blame. I won’t talk about it. It’s behind me.”
Quintero’s troubled upbringing failed to quell his prodigious footballing talent and after joining local club Envigado he moved on to Atletico Nacional, then to Europe aged 18 with first Pescara in Italy and then Portugal’s Porto.
He excelled at Porto under Julen Lopetegui – the coach sacked by Spain on the eve of the World Cup – and earned a place in the Colombia squad that reached the quarter-finals in Brazil four years ago. But supporters than the rest. It shows how much football means to our country. It’s not pressure, it’s strength, because we know they support us.”
Colombia are 16th in the FIFA world rankings – four places below England – but have Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez, who has been declared fit, and Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez.
Interestingly, Colombian media see their side as underdogs and believe they will need an upset to get past England.
But England have not won a knockout match since 2006, while Colombia reached the quarter-finals four years ago.
Real Madrid star Rodriguez, now on loan at Bayern Munich, was their big success. He scored a wonder goal in the last-16 tie against Uruguay, but they eventually lost to hosts Brazil. Ospina (right, with Sanchez)) insists Colombia have improved since the last World Cup and Falcao has rediscovered his best form after four years of injuries.
He added: “We are a better team than four years ago – we are together, more experienced and a stronger squad.
“We have experience, good quality. Our players play in the best clubs, the best leagues and nothing will frighten us.
“England are a good team. We did not mind who it is. We just know we will give everything for our country and take strength from the support.”