Four years ago, Colombia swept aside the cobwebs of 16 years watching the tournament on television to storm to a best World Cup finish. Four straight victories before a 2-1 defeat by hosts Brazil on a tempestuous night in Fortaleza meant Jose Pekerman’s side exited with their heads held high. James Rodriguez had arrived at the tournament with many English speakers not even knowing how to pronounce his name. He departed as an international star.
Six goals from midfield meant ‘Hamez’ lifted the Golden Boot as top goalscorer; his exquisite strike against Uruguay was judged the tournament’s best goal. The Colombia number 10 was clearly the team’s standout performer, but he was also joined by a supporting cast that helped ‘Los Cafeteros’ (‘the Coffee Growers’) serve up some of the finest football seen at the tournament.
Four years on, Colombia’s football no longer drips with the same energy and vibrancy. Both through qualifying and for most of this World Cup so far, Colombia have been staid, erratic and unconvincing.
With Rodriguez persistently dogged by a calf strain, Colombia have struggled to assert their authority on this tournament. Only in the crushing 3-0 win over Poland have they turned on the style. Rodriguez, of course, was man of the match in that game following two sublime assists.