By Thales Machado, direct from Buenos Aires
From 1997 until 2007, there were five editions of the Copa America, and in four, Brazil became champions. The only failure of Brazil was in 2001, when the tournament was won by (and played in) Colombia, and until today is the last glory of the Colombian football.
Have not participated in a World Cup since 1998, Colombia is no longer the power in the South American football that it was in the early 90s. After a generation of national pride and notable players such as Valderrama, Rincon and Higuita, now there has been generation that has put the Colombian football in the bottom half of soccer in South America
The 2011 Copa America is seen as a chance for redemption for Colombians. Coach Gomez Bolillo bet on a strong team with great international experience, and can compete equally with the South American teams that qualified for the 2010 World Cup. The goal is to do well and go as one of the favorites for the five places for South America in Brazil in 2014.
One of the highlights of the last European season, the striker Radamel Falcao of Porto is the hope of Colombian goals in Argentina. Otherwise, the cast have players playing in teams of ‘medium’ stature in Europe, such as Perea of Atletico Madrid or striker Rodallega of Wigan in England. But Falcao is the one that stands out, and he says he wants “to be the top scorer of the tournament and take my country to the title” in an interview to the official website of the Copa America.
The challenge is to overcome the failures of the team when shackled with high expectations. In 1994, at the World Cup in the United States, Colombia was touted by Pelé as one of the favorites for the title. In tournament itself, there was only disappointment and a tragic first round exit. The latest edition of the Copa America was not good for Colombia: in 2007 the endured a first round exit, contrary to good performances the last two campaigns, reaching the semi-finals in 2004 and winning in 2001.
In the group, Colombia face Bolivia and Costa Rica, supposedly weaker teams, making Colombia the favourite to secure second place in the group, since Argentina is seeded and the absolute favourite.
“We are in a growth phase, in which we will show what we’re capable of are good players. We can achieve important things and return to the rank of major teams in the world,” Falcao told the Colombian fans.
Optimism is not lacking, but Colombia need to turn all the good energy into goals on the field in Argentina.
The Squad
Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Nice, FRA), Neco Martinez (Once Caldes, COL), Breiner Castillo (Independiente Medellin, COL).
Defenders: Mario Yepes (AC Milan, ITA), Cristian Zapata (Udinese, ITA), Aquivaldo Mosquera (America, MEX), Yulian Anchico (Pachuca, MEX), Pablo Armero (Udinese, ITA), Luis Amaranto Perea (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Juan Zuniga (Napoli, ITA), Juan David Valencia (Junior, COL).
Midfielders: Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Udinese, ITA), Fredy Guarin (Porto, PRT), Abel Aguilar (Hercules, ESP), Carlos Sanchez (Valenciennes, FRA), Elkin Soto (Mainz 05, DEU), Gustavo Bolivar (Deportes Tolima, COL).
Forwards: Radamel Falcao (Porto, PRT), Dayro Moreno (Club Tijuana, MEX), Hugo Rodallega (Wigan Athletic, ENG), Adrian Ramos (Hertha BSC, DEU), Jackson Martinez (Jaguares, MEX), Teofilo Gutierrez (Racing, ARG).
Group Stage:
Costa Rica, July 2 in Jujuy
Argentina, July 6 in Santa Fe
Bolivia, July 10 in Santa Fe
Statistics:
FIFA Ranking: 49
Appearances in the Copa America: 19
Best performance: Champions in 2001
Last Copa America: Finished third in Group C and did not qualify for the quarter-finals
Follow the teams analysed by Sambafoot:
Sambafoot will be profiling each of the 12 teams in the competition. Next up is Costa Rica, the last team to be confirmed in the tournament.
