The general view in the Colombian media after England were confirmed as their opponents in the last 16 was ‘at least it wasn’t Belgium’. Colombia’s expectations were always to get out of the group stage and try to emulate the achievements of four years ago by reaching the quarter-finals. “England are the favourites,” said former Aston Villa midfielder Carlos Sanchez. “They are the ones who invented the game and they also have some top-quality players.”
That is the view still shared by most Colombians – England perhaps have the edge, but Colombia stand a good chance and the draw could have been far crueller. Colombia icon Carlos Valderrama believes there is nothing between the two sides.
“It will be very tight,” he said. “In fact, it will be so close that a penalty or a free-kick will be the difference; Colombia will have to make their opportunities count.” Yet one issue – Rodriguez’s injury – has left many worried. “We have a huge problem,” said Gabriel Meluk, the sports editor for Colombia’s main newspaper El Tiempo. “Because the only player England fear is James Rodriguez and he probably won’t be available. That’s a massive blow.”