Colombia Returns to World Cup Triumphant

FCF.com.co

By Francisco Romero

The last time Colombia participated in World Cup was 16 years ago in France ’98. Upon its return to the biggest soccer stage in the world it wanted to make a statement and a statement they made! 

Colombia beat Greece by a lopsided score of 3-0. Pablo Armero, Teofilo Gutierrez and James Rodriguez scored for the Colombians.

Los Cafeteros were tough on Greece’s defense; they applied a lot of pressure and never let up.

Colombia’s star Radamel Falcao who is not participating in World Cup play due to an injury was not missed, at least for the first game.

Colombia and Greece belong to Group C along with Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Japan.

Greece was expected to make a comeback during the second half, but it never really got its rhythm going; Colombian’s Goalkeeper David Ospina deflected the few opportunities Greece had.

Jose Pekerman’s team is headed in the right direction; it is trying to advance past the group phase for the first time since 1990.

Colombia is living up to its expectations as it entered the World Cup as a favorite to get past the first round.

Pekerman took over the Colombian team in 2012. Colombian’s head coach played for Independiente Medellin.

Colombia will face Ivory Coast next Thursday.