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How Colombia Has Been Built into a Serious World Cup Contender
Published: April 4, 2013
The nation headed into the 1994 World Cup in the USA full of confidence that their Carlos Valderrama-inspired side could achieve success.
Sadly, though, the pressure proved too much for the team to handle, and the side crashed out of the tournament with just one victory from their three group stage fixtures.
It was a result that left the country reeling, with the aftermath and assassination of defender Andres Escobar leaving deep scars on football in the country. Colombia's deep issues with narcotrafficking throughout the 1990s also did little to help the situation.
Now, though, it appears that the South American nation may be finding their feet once more as a footballing power. It is, though, largely thanks to the work of an Argentine coach.
When Jose Pekerman took control of the Colombian national team at the start of 2012, few could have imagined the speed at which he would change the outlook of football in the country.
Winless in their opening two home qualification fixtures for the 2014 World Cup, it looked like Colombia may be set for disappointment once more. Pekerman, though, has turned the side's fortunes around, with the side well on course to reach the finals.
Pekerman arrived with a considerable reputation, having guided Argentina's Under-20 side to three World Cup titles and overseen the development of the likes of Pablo Sorín, Juan Román Riquelme and Pablo Aimar in his six years in charge.
His senior level Argentina side at the 2006 World Cup was also heralded as being one of the best footballing sides on show until a surprise elimination on penalties to Germany.
On arrival in Colombia, he reverted to the default formation of much of South American football: 4-2-2-2. Since th...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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