Colombia hope to kick inconsistency

COLOMBIA

Fifa ranking: 16 Previous tournaments:

Colombia are playing in their fifth World Cup, with their quarter-final appearance at Brazil 2014 – where they lost to the hosts – their best performance. The Andean country is best remembered for its 1990s team featuring characters such as eccentric goalkeeper Rene Higuita and Carlos Valderrama.

COACH:

Jose Pekerman: The silverhaired Argentine has led Colombia since 2012, pulling the “cafeteros (coffee-makers) out of a lean period and propelling them to their first consecutive World Cups. He has put faith in the talented squad’s attacking instincts and most notably in striker Radamel Falcao. Pekerman, 68, also had a two-year stint as coach of the Argentina team that went to the 2006 World Cup but lost to hosts Germany in the quarterfinals. He has a close link to Colombia, however, having played half his career as a midfielder Medellin.

KEY PLAYERS:

for Independiente

James Rodriguez: Fresh from clinching a sixth successive Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, Rodriguez will be hoping to keep up his winning streak in Russia. “Hamez” was top scorer at the 2014 World Cup.

Radamel Falcao: Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, 32, missed out on the 2014 World Cup due to a ligament injury. But “El Tigre” (The Tiger) is planning to roar in Russia.

FORM GUIDE:

Colombia had a disappointing qualifying campaign but their attacking prowess and ability to turn games has been on display since.

HOW THEY QUALIFIED:

Colombia did just enough to secure fourth spot in the South American group but they scored only 21 goals and limped over the line with three draws and a defeat in their final four games.

PROSPECTS:

With a formidable attack, Colombia are highly competitive. Group H, where Colombia will face Japan, Senegal, and Poland, is the only one to lack a World Cup winner, and should provide opportunities for the South Americans to rack up a few goals. —