SCOUTING REPORT

STRENGTHS:

IN their 3-0 thumping of Poland, Colombia showcased their very best attacking attributes– pace, power and a devastating ability to switch the play on the counter-attack and punish opponents, with quick transitions the key to their success.

With former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao (right, below) leading the line, supported by James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado, Colombia have talent in abundance in attack, ably supported by a strong midfield that included Carlos Sanchez, Mateus Uribe and Juan Quintero. In defence, Yerry Mina of Barcelona is an imposing figure who has already scored twice in the tournament, supported by Tottenham’s Davinson Sanchez.

WEAKNESSES:

COLOMBIA have been heavily reliant on the individual ability of Rodriguez to open up defences and provide their creative spark, borne out by the fact he provided the assists for all three goals in their 3-0 win over Poland which revived their qualification hopes for the last 16 after losing their opener to Japan.

But with Rodriguez (left, top) coming off injured against Senegal with what looked like a recurrence of a calf injury that troubled him coming into the tournament, Colombia could be without their key man for the last 16.

Arsenal keeper David Ospina (above, centre) came into the tournament with question marks hanging over him, and while he has kept two clean sheets in three games, he does not inspire total confidence between the posts.

STAR MAN:

WHILE Rodriguez is arguably Colombia’s most influential player, he is likely to be missing from the last 16 through injury, which puts even more pressure on star striker Falcao to deliver for his country.

Falcao scored with a sublime finish in Colombia’s win over Poland and has flourished for Monaco since his ill-fated spells in England.

At 32, his best years may be behind him, but Falcao remains a predatory finisher, who will bury chances if given time and space.

MANAGER:

JOSE PEKERMAN is Colombia’s longest-serving manager, after six years in charge.

He was Argentina boss, but lost his job when they went out on penalties at the 2006 World Cup and he left an emerging 19-year-old called Lionel Messi on the bench.

He encourages his full-backs to push forward in a 4-3-2-1 formation and has watched his team grow in form and confidence since their defeat to Japan in the opening game.

He experimented playing with two forwards in the build-up to the World Cup but has settled on Falcao as a lone striker leading the line.