Jose Pekerman continues to break records as Colombia head coach. His six years at the helm represent the longest continuous reign in national team history. In Russia, he has become the first coach to lead them to consecutive knockout-phase qualifications. In Brazil four years ago, he steered them to the quarterfinals — their best ever showing at a World Cup. Indeed, like opponents England, Colombia will look beyond their round-of-16 tie in Moscow on Tuesday and see a relatively accessible route to the final four — another potential record in the making.
Such heights seemed far away in the years immediately after Pekerman’s playing career came to an end. At 28, injuries forced him to retire. With a young family to support, he worked as a taxi driver in Buenos Aires. At lunchtime, he would park up wherever he saw kids playing football, get out his packed lunch and watch while he ate.
Pekerman knew he still wanted to be involved in the game, and he soon embarked on a coaching course. A former teammate then offered him the chance to join his staff. He followed him through positions at three different clubs, eventually settling down at Argentinos Juniors, the team he had represented as a player. He spent 10 years there in charge of youth recruitment and development.