Colombia

Only the Belgians can boast such talent that emerged during last few years. Colombia has been drawn in a fairly easy group and should be able to advance quite confidently.

Problems with defending

Colombia produced one of the best game of last year, when they hosted Chile in a World Cup qualifiers. They were losing 0-3 before the break but with a wonderful second half comeback managed to draw the game and ensure a place in the World Cup. That showed everything both Chile and Colombia are capable of – playing attacking football but being fragile in defence.

Jose Pekerman will choose basically very average players in defence. Experienced Mario Yepes of Atalanta will be a leader of this formation but outside of experience there’s not much in his game and he struggles with quick tempo games, being a veteran in Serie A. He will be accompanied by Christian Zapata of AC Milan, who is nothing more than just a solid defender.

On flanks, Colombia has two defenders that feel more comfortable when attacking – Camilo Zuniga and Pablo Armero. Both are best known to play in a formations that require wing backs.

Attack is the best defence?

Colombia’s strength lies in midfield and in attack. Radamel Falcao inclusion in the World Cup squad is in question due to his ACL injury, but Pekerman has plenty of other options. Jackson Martinez is currently in his peak years and at 27, might be a star of this tournament. He succeeded Falcao as Porto’s main striker and scored 41 goals in 53 games in Portuguese league. He wouldn’t have played in this team if he wasn’t capable of finishing, creating and pressing.

Of course, there are other choices. Carlos Bacca of Sevilla had a great season, using Ivan Rakitic’s passes to score goals and guide the team to a Europa League trophy. Then, there’s Adrian Ramos of Hertha Berlin who is a similar player to Martinez but definitely of smaller format. He did earn a move to Borussia Dortmund, which is quite telling, but everyone in the German vice-champions’ entourage is telling that he will feature as an additional striker.

In midfield, Colombia has both talent and experience in Elche’s Carlos Sanchez and Abel Aguilar of Toulouse. Then, there’s Mainz’s Elkin Soto, who at 33 still is an interesting option. Wingers Juan Cuadrado and James Rodriguez offer versatility, creativity and pace which exactly what people should expect from wingers.

Colombia are a solid team who is not only a dark horse, but one of the favourites to lift the World Cup in July. But this happen only if they are able to cover their defensive deficiencies with work rate and technical quality.

Playing style

Jose Pekerman shares with Marcelo Bielsa an admiration for high octane attacking football, but compared to his fellow Argentinian, he’s more pragmatic and does not mind even parking the bus to ensure a victory. Colombia will play a fast attacking football undoubtedly but soon enough will try to change their style.

Coach

Jose Pekerman is an experienced coach but he never worked at a senior level club for more than two years. He’s known for his work with Argentinian U-20 squad. From 1994 till 2001 he won three World Cups with that team.

Schedule and BETEGY predictions

14th June, Belo Horizone: vs. Greece (1-0)

19th June, Brasilia: vs. Ivory Coast (1-0)

24th June, Cuiaba: vs. Japan (2-0)

Colombia’s chances of qualifying from group stage are quite high (60%) and they should also win the group by winning all of their games. But in the Round of 16 they will meet Italy and should lose 0-1 ending their World Cup run just one game after group matches.