07:32 PM
The Colombian National Team prepares this Friday’s duel against Costa Rica (5:00 pm), its second appearance in the Copa América in which it could advance qualification to the next phase.
In the squad and among the fans there is faith that the final stages will be reached, supported by the undefeated record of 24 games and the game displayed in the 2-1 victory against Paraguay.
Former World Cup defender Luis Carlos ‘Coroncoro’ Perea spoke with EL COLOMBIANO from the US about the Tricolor’s title options and other aspects of the contest.
What feeling did you have about the National Team after the debut?
“Very good. Without being shiny, luxurious or aesthetic like in previous matches, it played quite well. “He adjusted to the rival’s conditions and achieved an important victory.”
Do you think that the favoritism given to the Tricolor can work against you?
“When you come to a competition like this, with that undefeated team and the way you have been playing, it is inevitable that you will be given that favoritism. That’s not an invention, it’s something that the players have created in previous presentations. Even if you want to sell another speech, they will always look at it differently. For a footballer it is inevitable to feel that sweet taste of playing well and being a favorite. Those comments, although they are good, do not make them dizzy, they know what they have done, what they live and they enjoy the good times, because when the bad times come they also suffer them. Starting with triumph makes them aware of what they are capable of doing, of the responsibility they have with themselves and the country.”
What differences do you find between the current Colombian team and the ’94 National Team that you were a member of?
“They already won the first game, that is the first difference; we lost to Romania. They beat the Paraguayans and the fact of winning gives confidence in themselves, in the group and reinforces what has been done. Although at that time we arrived undefeated and favorites, the competition as such is different, one is a Cup and the other a World Cup, although they have the same system. Because playing three games in the group stage is not an easy task, the level of nervousness is quite high and they showed that they could surpass that level and they did so by far; Let’s hope they continue to grow and can give us that cup we are longing for.”
Will there be any advantage knowing that they already know the game of Costa Rica, Friday’s opponent?
“Each encounter brings its own entanglements. I saw Costa Rica locked in their field for 90 minutes, without giving advantages to Brazil who had no luck scoring goals. He shot at the goal many times, without luck. The Colombians come victorious and with a prepared strategy. Surely they are not going to let us play either, they will do the same, they will believe that they can neutralize Colombia as they are playing by defending themselves like this, let’s wait and see how it is resolved.”
Apart from the work of James Rodríguez and Richard Ríos, did any other performance catch your attention?
“I really liked Jéfferson Lerma’s work, he always plays well, he is the balance of Colombia. This time Richard joined, anchored there with an impressive physical waste. The weather at this time in the US is harsh, complicated, very humid, we are in summer, it is too hot and there is no breeze. From a defensive point of view, these guys offered a lot of energy to beat Paraguay, which was no small feat. Colombia came out and pressed as a block. The Paraguayans came close thanks to the defensive work of the entire team.”
Does Colombia really have arguments to be champion, or are we too folkloric?
“Today, as a fan, I see the fervor of Colombians, and I wouldn’t call it fanaticism or folklore, I call it passion for their nation, for their team. We are excited, the country needs and wants to experience these situations, knowing that there are so many difficulties on the social side. Football is giving us an escape from all that. Seeing in a faraway territory, in a stadium full of shirts, almost 67 thousand people singing the national anthem, is exciting. Although I don’t dare say that we are going to be champions, I am excited about what the boys are doing. We started well, it is not bad to laugh, to enjoy, to enjoy, to stick to what they do on the field. Let’s live hope as long as possible.”
A large mole is the state of the courts, what is your opinion about it?
“The fields here were synthetic, but due to Fifa specifications they were modified to natural grass and that change took time. They are not fit to play football correctly, but that is what it is, there is no advantage or disadvantage for anyone, they are the same for everyone. So you have to play and win. In the end, no one can excuse themselves because the scenarios were bad.”
Which teams do you think will be the most protagonists in this Copa América?
“The one I really liked was Uruguay. I do give that team as a favorite. He plays football very well, he is physical, he chokes, he suffocates. He has great players and well-designed blocks to defend and attack. However, he has bumps and against Argentina and Colombia, if he faces them, he must take corrective measures to improve. “It is the best cast I have seen in this Copa América.”
And what about Messi’s Argentina?
“One cannot rule them out because of the presence of Lionel Messi and because they are world champions. In the first game they won, but they were not convincing.”
