Santa Clara, CA — USA vs. Colombia; COPA America
Jose Pekerman is in his second World Cup with Colombia which is stability that the national team has not experienced since their golden era of the 1990s.
Every team has its key players and each has its weakness’. For the Coffee Growers this is a team full of experience and one that can meet expectations.
Santa Clara, CA — USA vs. Colombia; COPA America
Hope #1: That a fully functional James Rodriguez is ready to go to the next level.
Last tournament the Colombian captain was not available for selection and Rodriguez was the star that shone brightly. The glimmer faded while at Real Madrid as for him to flourish he needs a free role to show off his skills. His move to Bayern Munich playing with stars like Robert Lewandowski, Arjen Robben, and Franck Ribery allowed a more free role to get that World Cup form back.
For Colombia to get out of the group phase JR needs to shine bright like the star he is.
Hope #2: That Radamel Falcao will not be a burden.
Falcao has been the captain of Colombia for a long while. He has also been recognized as one of the best in his position. His back to goal play is not one that creates at all and he is absolutely reliant on the service provided to him. If he gets that as the man up top he will score and that will relax pressure on the other leaders.
Hope #3: That David Ospina plays to his abilities.
Until recent years Ospina was looked at as the best talented goalkeeper from South America, with little competition. His drop in the roster at his club Arsenal in England has shaken his confidence. A strong performance will mean the difference in a group stage exit and possible semifinal run. Confidence in the man between the posts give belief to everyone on the pitch and they can focus on their jobs.
The Big Fear: That if they do not grab three points against Japan then they are out.
If Colombia does not beat Japan in the first game they will go home early. Japan is a shadow of the team that has dominated Asia for years. If the attack sputters, and it did during qualification, then the young defense will be relied on and under the pressure that could prove disastrous.
Let me be clear not Andres Escobar disastrous but if only a draw in match one getting points against Senegal and Poland, each with attacking superstars, there is no lost hope. If Japan, who fired their coach just a few months ago, win then Colombia is going uphill with their two most difficult opponents of the campaign left to play.
Colombia
2018 World Cup
