2010 World Cup Qualification Focus - Colombia

March 21, 2008

The 1990s saw Colombia emerge as one of the most exciting South American footballing nations, lighting up with FIFA World Cups with star names such as Rene Higuita, Carlos Valderamma and Faustino Asprilla adding colour and flair to the 1990, 1994 and 1998 World Cups.

However, in recent years, the Colombian national team has been sadly missing from the World Cup and although they did win the 2001 COPA America, the relative glory days of the 90s seem a long time ago.

This may be about to change, however, as the new generation of Colombian stars, led by current coach Jorge Luis Pinto have made a promising start to the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign and look a good bet to qualify for the finals in South Africa. The Colombians are unbeaten so far, boasting the best defence in their ten team South American qualification group, in which they sit fourth.

An opening day 0-0 draw with Brazil was followed up by a slightly disappointing 0-0 draw in Bolivia, but the Colombians propelled themselves up the table in the last round of fixtures, beating Venezuela 1-0 before a memorable 2-1 victory over the mighty Argentina.

Considering that by this stage of the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign, Colombia had amassed just one point, the signs are certainly encouraging that the good times are set to return.

However, despite boasting a strong defence, the lack of goals is a major worry for the Colombians. With past legends Ivan Valenciano, Faustino Asprilla, Víctor Hugo Aristizabal no longer available and former Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel now in virtual retirement in the MLS, Colombia have been forced to rely on hot young strike prospects Radamel Falcao Garcia, Wason Rentaria and Hugo Rodallega. Although the potential is there with these talented youngsters, just three goals from four games is enough to create worry that a lack of goals may scupper the Colombians qualification bid.

However, the 2-1 victory over Argentina in Bogota in late 2007 is a sure sign of encouragement for the Colombians. The Argentines boasted a strong side including Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Juan Riquelme but a superbly executed free kick from Bustos and a swift counter-attack finished off by Moreno put Pinto’s men in the ascendancy.

In the 90s the Colombians became one of the cult teams at the World Cup finals and many a neutral spectator will be hoping they qualify to brighten up the South Africa World Cup finals in 2010.

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.