Injuries have robbed Colombia of four important players, but the South Americans are confident they can still be a success at their first World Cup in 16 years.
The Colombians take on Greece in Group C tonight at the Estadio Mineraio in Belo Horizonte without star striker Radamel Falcao, as well as Luis Perea, Aldo Ramirez and Edwin Valencia.
Falcao did not recover in time from a serious knee injury to take part in the tournament.
Colombia nevertheless have players that compete in top European leagues and are confident of progressing from a group that also includes Ivory Coast and Japan.
“We are a competitive team that respects every rival,” Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said last night.
“We know we need to be at our best. My team heads into this World Cup aware of the challenge but wanting to have a starring role and to go as far possible. We are delighted to be here, proud that Colombia returns to play at a World Cup after so long.”
Pekerman has plenty of options in attack with Carlos Bacca, Teofilo “Teo” Gutierrez and Jackson Martinez all having enjoyed strong seasons with their respective clubs.
“We have high expectations,” Pekerman said. “We have enough quality to represent Colombia in the best possible way.
“We have many players that play in European clubs and that experience has allowed us to assemble a team that plays together rather than one that relies on individual play.”
Colombia captain Mario Yepes expects a tough test against Greece, who were knocked out in the first round four years ago .
“It’s going to be a very complicated game just as all of our group games will be,” the 38-year-old said. “We will try to control possession and go into every game with the intention of playing good football.”
Greece won the European Championships in 2004 but have never progressed beyond the group stage at a World Cup.
“Our main goal is to make it to the knockout round, something we have never done before,” said Greece’s veteran captain Giorgos Karagounis. “In order to do this, we have to take each game as it comes.
“The most important game for us is against Colombia. This is our first game and they are a dangerous team.”
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Colombia (3-4-3)
Ospina; Zapata, Yepes, Balanta; Zuniga, Aguilar, Sanchez, Armero; Rodriguez, Martinez, Cuadrado.
Greece (4-5-1)
Karnezis; Torosidis, Sokratis, Manolas, Holebas; Salpingidis, Karagounis, Maniatis, Tziolis, Samaras, Mitroglu.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colombia – James Rodriguez
The 22-year-old Monaco man has all the ability in the world and should enjoy being the main creative spark for his country on the world's biggest stage. Without Falcao in the side, Rodriguez's role becomes even more crucial if Colombia are to succeed in Brazil.
Greece – Ortesis Karnezis
This Greek outfit will be heavily reliant on its ability to shut out the opposition and much will depend on the ability of Karnezis when he is called upon. Replacing Antonios Nikopolidis is no mean feat and the 28-year-old Granada stopper will have to be just as dominant a presence in between the Greece sticks.
PREDICTION
Greece are compact but with the likes of James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado you have to fancy Colombia. Colombia win 2-0.
