With the World Cup just days away, here’s handy guide from See Colombia to help you get to know the (likely) Colombian starting XI. With helpful advice, facts and conversation tips, this guide will help you show off your knowledge of Los Cafeteros to all your jealous friends:
David Ospina
Since his debut in 2007, Nice goalkeeper Ospina has become a mainstay between the sticks for Los Cafeteros. He has confirmed that he will not sign a new contract with his French club side, so this World Cup will be his chance to put himself in the shop window.
Do Say: “Did you know that David Ospina conceded the least goals of any keeper in the South American qualifiers?”
Don’t Say: “Go on, give Faryd Mondragon a game! He’ll be the oldest player in World Cup history.”
Pablo Armero
With over 50 appearances for Colombia, Napoli left back Armero could practically be considered a veteran. He’s unlikely to get on the scoresheet though; his only international goal came in a 5-0 win against Bolivia in last year’s qualifiers. His recent loan spell at West Ham has been pretty unsuccessful.
Do Say: “What does Sam Allardyce know!?”
Don’t Say: “Big Sam really knows his football, doesn’t he?”
Mario Yepes
Big Mario is the Colombian captain whose World Cup appearance should send him past 100 caps for his country. He has already announced that he will retire after this World Cup so he’ll be determined to lead Colombia to their highest ever placing.
Do Say: “Age is but a number…”
Don’t Say: “38, seriously? And he’s starting…?”
Cristian Zapata
Milan centre-back Zapata is a relative newcomer to the squad, and his temperament has been questioned after a red card against Argentina in qualifying. However, his youth and talent will provide a nice balance to Yepes’ experience in the centre of Colombia’s defence.
Do Say: “World Cup, Milan contract…the world is at this man’s feet.”
Don’t Say: “He kicked you first, go on, give him some back!”
Camilo Zuniga
Napoli right-back Zuniga is a versatile player, capable of playing on the wing as well as the defence. This versatility makes him a key member of Jose Pekerman’s team, allowing him the get forward and supplement his team’s attacks down the right.
Do Say: “Good to see you back fit Camilo, have a great World Cup.”
Don’t Say: “Five months out and knee surgery? And he’s starting?
James Rodriguez
El Nuevo Pibe, or the New Kid, James was named after 007 himself. With auspicious company like that, and after a 37.5 million Euros move to Monaco last summer, Rodriguez is tipped by many to be the tournament’s breakout star. He is Colombia’s key player.
Do Say: “ Valderrama’s heir, with much less exciting hair…”
Don’t Say: “He’s good, but 37.5 million seems a bit much.”
Abel Aguilar
One of the two defensive midfielders Pekerman seems likely to employ in order to give him wide men more scope to attack, Aguilar plies his trade in France with Toulouse. He has nearly 50 caps for his country and 6 goals to his name.
Do Say: “Excellent name.”
Don’t Say: “Who?”
Carlos Sanchez
The other defensive midfielder, Sanchez’ nickname is The Rock, not because of any affiliation with 1996 Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery Alcatraz movie “The Rock,” but due to his strength in the centre of midfield. Currently lines up for Elche.
Do Say: “This 4-2-2-2 system really allows Pekerman to get the most out of his creative midfielders.”
Don’t Say: ” Sanchez? Where’s Fredy Guarin…?”
Juan Cuadrado
Another shining light of this Colombia team, if rumours are to be believed Cuadrado could well be lining up for none other than Barcelona next season. This move suggests that the Catalans are looking to make their style a bit more direct, as Cuadrado is a winger known for his speed and attacking ability.
Do Say: “Cuadrado is one of European club football’s most exciting attacking prospects.”
Don’t Say: “Barcelona seems like a big leap…”
Teofilio Gutierrez
A bit of a cult figure, Teo has had a rocky career so far. He has been in and out of the international set-up, and has courted controversy with his club River Plate too; receiving a ban for pulling a gun (which turned out to be fake) on teammates in the dressing room. He scored as regularly as talisman Falcao in qualifying though.
Do Say: “Teo’s mercurial nature and talent mean he should start ahead of Carlos Bacca in Brazil.”
Don’t Say: “Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just pleased to be in Brazil…?”
Jackson Martinez
The striking hopes of the nation rest on Porto striker Jackson’s shoulders after Falcao’s injury. But they’re pretty sturdy shoulders: Jackson is the Portuguese league’s top scorer and hasbeen linked with high-profile moves all over Europe.
Do Say: “The importance of Falcao’s injury has been overstated, as Colombia possess a wealth of attacking talent, particularly in Jackson Martinez.”
Don’t Say: “Falcao is gone, all is lost (weeps and rends clothing from body).”
So there you have: now you’ll know exactly what to say and what not to say when you discuss Colombia’s World Cup starting XI. Now let’s just hope that we’ll be seeing plenty of them in Brazil. Vamos Colombia!
Chris
