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The Colombia National Team is controlled by the Federación Colombiana de Fútbol.

The team is often considere third best in ability in the CONMEBOL region; they are stronger compare to Venezuela, Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia, not quite as strong as Brazil and Argentina and at times find themselves evenly matched with Paraguay, and Uruguay. They are also known for producing good performances in preliminary tournaments and friendlies but seem to collapse in important matches. Recently, Colombia has shown ability to play Brazil and Argentina competitively.

The team has been peripherally involved in two of the greatest personal tragedies to hit football in recent years. In 1994, defender Andrés Escobar scored an own goal in a World Cup match against the United States; shortly after the team returned to Colombia, Escobar was murdered. In 2003, at a Confederations Cup semifinal, the Colombians watched as Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foé collapsed and died on the pitch due to an undetected heart condition.

1930 to 1954

Colombia did not participate in the qualifying rounds.

Sweden 1958

Colombia first entered World Cup qualifying in the 1958 qualifiers but were unsuccessful.

Chile 1962

In the 1962 qualifiers, however, they faced Peru in a two-game series and qualified for their first World Cup.

CONMEBOL Group 3

April 30, 1961, Bogotá, Colombia - 1 - 0

May 7, 1961, Lima, Peru - 1 - 1

Colombia qualified.

The stars of the 1962 team included forwards German Aceros and Delio Gamboa, and midfield schemer Marcos Coll. Colombia lost 2-1 to Uruguay and came from 4-1 down to draw 4-4 with the Soviet Union. Their campaign ended with a 5-0 defeat to Yugoslavia.

1962 to 1990

A split in the governing body of Colombian football would be a major setback for the national team. Colombia entered the 1966 qualifiers with an amateur team from in and around Barranquilla, and finished bottom of their group behind Chile (who they defeated 2-0) and Ecuador. Although the rift was ended, the 1970 qualifiers proved to be little better.

Former Yugoslav international Toza Veselinovic became coach, and with a new crop of players emerging led by the hugely talented forward Willington Ortiz, Colombia experienced a rise in its fortunes. In the 1974 qualifiers, Colombia finished behind Uruguay only on goal difference- albeit unbeaten and with a win over Uruguay in Montevideo. In the 1975 Copa America, Colombia finished runners-up to Peru whilst Colombian clubs began making progress in the Copa Libertadores.

The improvement continued in the 1980s, and in the 1990 qualifiers, Colombia finally made the break-through.

Italia '90

During the 1990 FIFA World Cup, Colombia played an excellent campaign and won the CONMEBOL / OFC Intercontinental Play-offs against Israel which allowed them to qualify. South America was allocated three and a half berths at the 1990 finals, one of which went to Argentina as defending champions from Mexico 1986. The continent's nine remaining sides were split into three groups with the two automatic qualifying berths going to the two best group winners, in this instance Uruguay and Brazil. The group winner with the worst record would advance to the CONMEBOL / OFC Intercontinental Play-off. Thus Colombia, despite finishing top of Group 2 ahead of Paraguay and Ecuador, had to take on the winners of the Oceania Zone. Curiously, this turned out to be Israel, after they finished ahead of Australia and New Zealand in the final qualifying group. The first leg was played in Barranquilla on 15 October 1989, where a solitary strike from the now-deceased Albeiro Usuriaga gave Colombia a 1-0 win. The return fixture took place on 30 October in Tel-Aviv, where Francisco Maturana's side, containing players of the calibre of Carlos Valderrama "El Pibe", Leonel Alvarez, Freddy Rincon and legendary keeper Rene Higuita, controlled the play superbly to hold on for a 0-0 draw and qualify for their first FIFA World Cup since Chile 1962.

CONMEBOL / OFC Intercontinental Play-off

October 15, 1989, Barranquilla, Colombia - 1 - 0

October 30, 1989, Ramat Gan, Israel - 0 - 0

Colombia qualified.

Italia 90" - FIFA World Cup

Group Stage: Colombia: 2-0 :United Arab Emirates

Group Stage: Colombia: 0-1 :Yugoslavia

Group Stage: Colombia: 1-1 :West Germany

June 16th, 1990: Milan, Italy. Freddy Rincon scored his most important and most memorable goal while playing into injury time, the ball went into the net just after having gone between the legs of West German goalie, Bodo Illgner, to tie the game 1 to 1 and securing Colombia's position in the second round.

Group D

Team Pts Pld W D L GF GA GD
5321103+7
432165+1
3311132+1
033211-9

Round Of Sixteen: Colombia - 1-2 - Cameroon

Colombia played well in the game which when into extra time after ending 0-0. The defeat was due to goalkeeper Rene Higuita because he seemingly walked with the ball at his feet 35 yards from goal enabling Cameroon striker Roger Milla to snatch it from him, and score Cameron's decisive second goal. Milla struck twice, giving Cameroon a 2-0 lead in Extra Time. Colombia would score in the 115th minute, but were unable to get an equalizer.

USA '94

Colombia entered 1994 FIFA World Cup with high expectations. An impressive qualifying campaign had included a 5-0 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires and the Colombians played with a dazzling, carefree style that seemed to have been lost from the South American game. On 5 September 1993, Argentina welcomed Colombia to Buenos Aires for their final Group A qualifier for USA 94. Lying a point behind the Cafeteros, Alfio Basile's side needed a win to qualify directly. What they produced instead was one of biggest debacles in the history of Argentine football as they were crushed 5-0 by the Colombians and consigned to a play-off against Australia. Valderrama, Asprilla and Rincon were drawing comparisons with the 1970 Brazilians, and Pelé favored them to win. However, there were rumors that betting syndicates and drug cartels were exercising their influence over the squad. Coach Hernan Gomez was reported to have received death threats over matters of team selection. Colombia's players were affected. They looked edgy and unfocused as they suffered a shock 3-1 loss in their opening game against Romania.

Qualfication - CONMEBOL Group 1

August 1, 1993, Barranquilla, Colombia - 0 - 0

August 1, 1993, Lima, Peru - 0 - 1

August 8, 1993, Asunción, Paraguay - 1 - 3

August 8, 1993, Lima, Peru - 0 - 1

August 15, 1993, Asunción, Paraguay - 2 - 1

August 18, 1993, Barranquilla, Colombia - 2 - 1

August 22, 1993, Buenos Aires, Argentina - 2 - 1

August 22, 1993, Asunción, Paraguay - 1 - 1

August 29, 1993, Buenos Aires, Argentina - 0 - 0

August 29, 1993, Barranquilla, Colombia - 4 - 0

September 5, 1993, Lima, Peru - 2 - 2

September 5, 1993, Buenos Aires, Argentina - 0 - 5

Rank Team Pts Pld W D L GF GA GD
1 1064213211
2 7631279-2
3 6614167-1
4 1615412-8

Colombia qualified. Argentina advanced to the CONMEBOL / CONCACAF / OFC Intercontinental Play-off.

1994 FIFA World Cup

Group Stage: Romania: 3-1 :Colombia - June 18, 1994

The match between Colombia and Romania was the first game for either side in the group phase. Colombia began the match well and were allowed a great deal of possession by the Romanians who seemed content to defend in depth. Some of the Colombians football was breathtaking, demonstrating their superior ball play. However, against the run of play, Romania took the lead in the 16th minute with their first attack of the match when Raducioiu took on three defenders before firing home a low shot. The Colombians kept on showing off their dazzling skills and were constantly threatening the equaliser, however on the half hour mark, Hagi made it 2-0 when he noticed Cordoba out of position and dipped a cross over his head into the net. The Colombians had few excellent opportunities however the Romanian keeper, Stelea kept the Romanian lead intact with a string of brilliant saves until Valencia pulled a goal back for the Colombians in the 43rd minute when he headed in a corner from Perez. In the second half, The Colombians put the Romanians under a great deal of pressure with Stelea called upon to prevent goal bound attempts from Asprilla and Alvarez before Raducioiu put the result beyond doubt with his second goal in the final few minutes.Romania won this encounter 3-1, and the Colombian’s knew victory against USA in their following match would be vital if they were to progress any further.

Group Stage: USA: 2-1 :Colombia - June 22, 1994

During the team's next game against the United States on June 22, Andrés Escobar was stretching to cut out a cross but he deflected the ball into his own net. The U.S. went on to win 2-1 and the Colombians were knocked out early despite a 2-0 win over Switzerland. Escobar was gunned down shortly after the team returned home.

Group Stage: Switzerland: 0-2 :Colombia - June 26, 1994

France '98

Hoping to improve on a disastrous first-round elimination in USA '94, Colombia began their qualification rounds in South America well and ended in third place with 28 points, 2 points below Argentina who was in 1st place with 30 points. But a weak attack, internal turmoil and age wiped out those dreams. They ended in Group G with Tunisia, England, and Romania.

Qualfication For Framce 98" A total of 10 CONMEBOL teams entered the competition. The South American zone was allocated 5 places (out of 32) in the final tournament. Brazil, the defending champions, qualified automatically, leaving 4 spots open for competition between 9 teams.

Final Standings

Rank Team Pts Pld W D L GF GA GD
1 3016862231310
2 291692521147
3 281684423158
4 2516745321814
5 25167451920-1
6 211663722211
7 21166371821-3
8 17164571821-3
9 316313841-33

Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia and Chile qualified.

Group Stage: Romania: 1-0 :Colombia

In their opening match 24-year-old Adrian Ilie of Valencia gave Romania a 1-0 victory over Colombia after he placed a magnificent chip shot in the 44th minute from some 15 yards that sailed over goalkeeper Farid Mondragon into the net. The Romanian squad, still built around the core of veterans that played at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, set the pace for much of the match. In contrast, Colombia struggled to maintain possession despite occasional flashes of technical excellence. Colombia nearly tied the game in the 85th minute when replacement Adolfo Valencia stretched Romanian goalkeeper Bogdan Stelea for a diving save to his right with his shot from 30 meters. Colombia started the game briskly but its passing was ragged and easily intercepted by the Romanians, who quickly established midfield dominance. This in effect led to Colombia's defeat.

Group Stage: Tunisia: 0-1 :Colombia

Colombia's second match was against Tunisia. Colombia's Leider Preciado's strike seven minutes from the end lifted the tension and eased some of the pain of the South American nation, and it gave Colombia a 1-0 win over Tunisia opening up a possible road to the second round. however in order to pass to the second Round they needed to defeat England.

Group Stage: England: 2-0 :Colombia

Although England needed only a draw to guarantee a place in the final 16, Anderton drove home a fiercely-struck angled drive in the 20th minute. Beckham curled in a 30-yard free kick nine minutes later leaving the game 2-0 with England winning. The Colombians had plenty of possession in deep positions but did little to worry the English defense. They clearly missed star striker Faustino Asprilla, who was dropped from the squad after criticizing coach Hernan Gomez in a radio interview. Furious at being benched five minutes from the finish against Romania, striker Asprilla criticized Gomez and some of his teammates. The Parma forward blasted the coach for "favoring untouchable" players, such as the slow-footed Valderrama, 37. Colombia was unable to recover from the turmoil or the lack of firepower and this is another reason why they lost to England. Colombia played with passion in its three matches in France '98, but the country has nothing to show for it -- exiting the World Cup after the first round with multiple changes likely to occur to the team. Head coach Hernan Dario Gomez and several players who for years were mainstays on one of Latin America's top teams have announced they were leaving the national team. Veteran midfield Danny Moreno stepped aside and scored an incrediable 11 points.

Copa América 2001

The Copa América 2001 was held in Colombia, from July 11 to July 29, 2001. It was organised by CONMEBOL, South America's football governing body. Prior to the tournament, three meetings were held by CONMEBOL authorities who were concerned about potential security issues in Colombia, for what Venezuela offered to host the competition . At last minute, the CONMEBOL decided to return the organization to Colombia, and the tournament was held on schedule. Complaining for the sudden decision, and claiming that Argentine players had received death threats from terrorist groups, the Argentine Football Association decided to withdraw from the competition, in spite of long days of debate, during which Colombian authorities proposed to implement additional protection measures. Despite the general disappointment of the Argentinian people, most Argentinians considered that their reasons were genuine and the incident did not generate any significant disagreement inside that country, though the decision was criticized in Colombia and elsewhere. Because Canada and Argentina withdrew, on July 6 and July 10 respectively, Honduras and Costa Rica were invited. There were no terrorist incidents within the competition. The teams were divided into three groups of four teams each. The formation of the groups was made by CONMEBOL, in a public drawing of lots. Each team plays one match against each of the other teams within the same group. Three (3) points are awarded for a win, one (1) point for a draw and zero (0) points for a defeat. First and second placed teams, in each group, advance to the quarter-finals. The best third placed team and the second best third placed team, also advance to the quarter-finals. Colombia was placed in Group A with Venezurla, Chile, and Ecuador. Colombia finished on top of the Group A with 9 points

Group Stage: Colombia 2-0 :Venezuela

A goal in each half was enough to secure Copa America hosts Colombia a victory over Venezuela. Freddy Grisales scored Colombia's first in the 15th minute, and Victor Hugo Aristizabal made it 2-0 on the hour from the penalty spot. Colombia took control from the start, with Grisales giving the hosts the lead when he collected a rebound in full flight and launched a rocket into the bottom left corner. Minutes later, Venezuela had a good chance to equalise but a free-kick by Jose Rey went inches wide. Colombia's Jairo Castillo could have made it 2-0 just before half-time but his shot hit the post. Venezuela had to struggle with 10 men for most of the second half after Jose Vallenilla was sent off for a second bookable offence. Victory was assured when Aristizabal scored a penalty after Leopoldo Jimenez had tackled Eulalio Arriaga inside the area.

Group Stage: Colombia 1-0 :Ecuador

A poweful goal by Victor Hugo Aristizábal in the 29th minute gave Colombia a 1-0 vicory

Group Stage: Colombia 2-0 :Chile

Two goals left Colombia has group leader with 9 points over a weaker Chilean side who played indecisive and sluggish.

Quarter-Finals: Colombia 3-0 :Peru

A second-half blitz propelled Colombia into the semi-finals of the Copa America. The hosts steamrollered Peru with a double from Victor Hugo Aristazabal and one from Giovanni Hernandez. The Colombians continued where they left off, having strolled through the group phase with maximum points and without conceding a goal. They now face either Brazil or minnows Honduras for a place in the final. Colombia took a while to get into their stride as Peru stuck doggedly to their defensive task in a sterile opening period. Gerardo Bedoya sent a free kick wide after 15 minutes, and a Jersson Gonzalez strike, also from a dead ball, was well saved by Perivian keeper Oscar Ibanez on 36 minutes. Ibanez was lucky to still be on the field after handling the ball just outside his area on the half hour - but Mexican referee Gilberto Alcala let him off with a yellow card.

Semi-Finals: Colombia 2-0 :Honduras

Host nation Colombia turned on the style to advance to the Copa America final as they ended the Honduras fairytale with a richly deserved victory. Honduras, conquerors of Brazil in the quarter-finals, failed to recover from a nightmare start and Colombia now face Mexico in Sunday's final. Gerardo Bedoya gave the hosts the perfect start at Manizales with a fifth-minute opening goal, while tournament top scorer Victor Aristizababal added a second after 62 minutes. Buoyed by a vociferous home support, Colombia seized the initiative immediately and squandered four clear-cut chances in a frenzied first four minutes. The Honduras defence looked panic-stricken, and the hosts took the lead after five minutes with a sublime strike from Bedoya. The Deportivo Cali defender popped up at the left of the box and sent an exquisite shot from the outside of his left boot arrowing into the top corner. The home side continued to dictate the pace, but Honduras gradually recovered from their early jitters. The Central American side came close to levelling the scores after 30 minutes, but Oscar Cordoba pulled off a magnificent save to palm away Amado Guevera's free kick. But Colombia finished the half strongly. Bedoya opted to go it alone to waste a promising position after 40 minutes, while just before the break Grisales blasted wide when one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The phenomenal pace continued after the restart. Honduras again came close from a set-piece after 47 minutes when Guevara's speculative effort almost caught out Cordoba. Minutes later, tournament joint top scorer Aristizababal sent a low drive inches wide. Then, after 55 minutes, Mario Yepes' bullet header was fumbled by Noel Valladares, but the keeper recovered to deny Ivan Cordoba, who had followed up. The host nation eventually doubled their lead after 62 minutes. Grisales squared the ball brilliantly for Aristizabal. He calmly trapped the ball with his chest and swivelled to half volley the ball to the net to claim his sixth goal of the competition. That was the signal for some samba style football from the home team, but they were unable to add to their tally.

Final: Colombia 1-0 :Mexico

Hosts Colombia deservedly won their first Copa America title by beating Mexico in Bogota. Their captain Ivan Cordoba scored the decisive goal early in the second half with a powerful header from a free kick. It was a fairytale success for Colombia after the decision to go ahead with the tournament after it had initially been cancelled. They did not concede a goal in the competition and, in a tournament tarnished by a rash of red cards, they won the fair play award as well. Even the fact that Argentina, regarded by most observers as the strongest side in the region, elected not to take part and that most countries fielded weakened teams failed to dampen the celebrations in Bogota. The undisciplined Mexicans finished with nine men after having Juan Rodriguez dismissed with 11 minutes remaining by Paraguayan referee Ubaldo Aquino, while Gerardo Torrado was also red-carded in the final seconds. Coach Javier Aguirre was also ordered from the touch-line in the first half for repeatedly moving out of his technical area and the match finished amid furious protests from the Mexican team. Mexico, playing a containment game in the absence of key players Alberto Garcia Aspe and Manuel Vidrio, stifled Colombia in the first-half but were outplayed after the interval. Colombia's hopes were hit when the tournament's top scorer Victor Aristizabal went off injured after 25 minutes to be replaced by Jairo Castillo. Aristizabal had the first chance of note when he struck the post after five minutes, while he had a penalty appeal turned down in the incident that led to his substitution. Colombia deservedly broke the deadlock after 64 minutes when Inter Milan defender Ivan Cordoba rose to head home Ivan Lopez's free kick from the right. Mexican hopes received a further blow after 79 minutes when substitute Rodriguez was sent off for a foul on Castillo. Ramon Morales should have followed minutes later for a blatant elbow on Hernandez. Mexico never looked like getting back on terms and as their frustration boiled over Torrado was sent off in the last act of the game. Political violence and other problems that almost prompted the cancellation of the event were forgotten as millions of Colombians took to the streets to celebrate.

COLOMBIA (1st title)

Korea/Japan 2002

Despite heroic efforts in qualification and being champions in the Copa America in 2001, after a 1-0 victory over Mexico, Colombia only managed a 6th place in the qualification round. Uruguay and Colombia both had 27 points but due to goal differences , Uruguay advanced to the Play-Offs with Australia.

Final Standings

Rank Team Pts Pld W D L GF GA GD
1 43181341421527
2 311894523203
3 3018936311714
4 301893629236
5 271876519136
6 271876520155
7 18184682133-12
8 161844101425-11
9 161851121844-26
10 121833121527-12

2005 CONCACAF Copa De Oro

The 2005 CONCACAF Copa de Oro, or Gold Cup, was played in July 2005 in the United States. Colombia and South Africa were invited guests. Colombia was placed in Group A with Panama, Honduras, and Trinidad and Tobago. There were 3 Groups with 4 teams each ,which meant that all 3 first place and second place finishers would advance to the quarter finals and so would the best two third place finishers

Group Stage: Panama: 1-0 : Colombia

Colombia's opening match was against Panama where they lost 1-0. Tejada, who plays for Colombian club Envigado, netted the game's lone score in the 70th minute, blazing a header past Colombian goalie Farid Mondragon. Colombia, meanwhile, had to accept the fact that they had lost, despite playing well during the first 45 minutes of play

Group Stage: Honduras: 2-1 : Colombia

The next match was against Honduras where they lost again 2-1. Two late goals gave Honduras the advantage as the catrachos defeated Colombia 2-1 in Group A action of the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup The win is the first for Honduras in the tournament since 2000, when they also defeated Colombia. After finding themselves down 1-0 heading into the locker room, Honduras turned up the pressure in the second half as Wilmer Velasquez scored two goals in less than five minutes. After several unsuccessful attempts to take the advantage in the first half, Colombia started off the scoring in the 29th minute as Tressor Moreno netted a penalty kick into the bottom left corner past a diving Honduras goalkeeper, Victor Coello to take the 1-0 lead. The penalty ensued after XX went one-on-one with defender Erick Vallecilo and was taken down in the box. Honduras continued to pressure throughout the rest of the first half, but was without gain as the halftime whistle sounded.With the pressure on, Honduras leveled the game in the 79th minute as Wilmer Velasquez took a cross from Wilson Palacios who was just outside the 18-yard box. Regaining his balance, Velasquez redirected the ball into the left corner of the net for the equalizer. Moments later, the catrachos struck again in the 82nd minute as Velasquez notched his second goal of the game.

Group Stage: Trinidad and Tobago: 0-2 : Colombia

The third match was against Trinidad and Tobago where they won a decisive 2-0 victory. Colombia proved the better team in the first half, tallying nine shots, while denying Trinidad and Tobago a single shot on goal. However, it was not enough for the cafeteros as both teams headed to the locker rooms empty handed. It was much of the same in the second half as Colombia continued to put the pressure on Trinidad and Tobago, while still limiting them to only two shots. It was not until the 76th minute that the scoring draught was broken when Jamie Castrillon headed the ball behind him to an open Abel Aguilar, who then sliced the back past the diving goalkeeper, Kelvin Jack for the 1-0 advantage. Continuing with the momentum, Colombia increased its cushion in the 79th minute as Hector Hurtado slipped a pass into the net to take the 2:0 lead. A basic give-and-go off a throw-in got that action started as Jaime Castillon threaded the pass back to Hurtado who deposited it in the back of the net.

Quarterfinals: Colombia: 2-1 : Mexico

Colombia reached the quarterfnals to fight Mexico. Colombia beat Mexico 2-1 as an unexpected goal from Abel Aguilar helped the South American squad advance to the semifinals. Mexico, the favorite squad going into the tournament, was eliminated even though it played well during the first round with wins over rivals Guatemala and Jamaica and a loss against South Africa. Colombia, for its part, looked much improved over the sluggish and indecisive play it showed during the first round of the tournament. The team took control of the game early, showing discipline and cohesion and neutralizing Mexico's speedy forwards.

Semifinals: Panama: 3-2 : Colombia

Colombia reached the semifinals only to be defeated by Panama, the underdogs of the tournament. Panama clipped Colombia 3-2 in front of more than 40,000 people at Giants Stadium. Phillips put Panama up 1-0 in the 11th minute when he headed in Julio Medina's free kick from the right side. Panama went up 2-0 in the 25th minute when Jorge Dely Valdes finished off a shot by defender Lucho Moreno that Colombian keeper Farid Mondragon could not handle. Though Colombia played conservatively early in the match, the South Americans had one goal disallowed and a rebound cleared by Medina after Panama's keeper, Jaime Penedo, had been beaten. The inspiration for the near comeback came from veteran midfielder Jairo Patiño, who scored twice in the second half and battled for the equalizer until the match's final moments. Patiño's score in the 62nd minute brought Colombia within one goal but Phillips' second goal of the match 10 minutes later gave Panama an insurmountable 3-1 lead. Patiño's scored again in minute 88th leaving the match 2-3. with Colombia exiting the Gold Cup early.

2006 FIFA World Cup -Germany

It is undeniable that Colombia’s cavalier approach cost them dearly in their early qualifying games for Germany 2006. The weak Colombian squad which had been switiching tactics and acquiring new players didn't have the strength to put off a good campaign. Colombia had the meanest defence, shipping just 16 goals, though it still did not save them from elimination. Towards the end Colombia (21 pts), Chile (21pts), and Uruguay (22 pts) had a chance to target the playoffs with Australia. Colombia (21 pts) traveled to Asuncion hoping for three points against Paraguay (28), who sealed their place in Germany while Chile battled against Ecuador and Uruguay against Argentina. As well as in the 2002 qualifiers, the last match of Argentina was against Uruguay, and in both occasions Uruguay needed a favourable result to reach 5th place in order to make the playoffs to earn a place in the World Cup. In 2002 the match finished tied 1-all, allowing Uruguay to clinch the 5th place, thus drawing the criticism of journalists from all South America as Argentina (already qualified) played in a suspiciously relaxed manner, almost appearing to favour their neighbouring country. They sneaked into the playoff by a goal difference of one from Colombia, who thrashed an already-qualified Paraguay 4-0 in the usually impregnable Defenders of the Chaco stadium in Asuncion, a result which itself raised eyebrows in Uruguay. Argentina's players, however, are angry at suggestions they might not be at their most competitive in Montevideo's Centenario stadium. The same thing always happens in these situations and everyone starts suspecting us,' said midfielder Cristian Gonzalez. It doesn't make sense to think we're going to hand them the game when a lot of us are playing for a place in the World Cup team.' Defender Roberto Ayala added: 'These are just stupid things which people say. We always go on to the pitch thinking only of winning.' Mistrust arose again in 2005 when Uruguay needed a victory to avoid depending on the results of Colombia and Chile. Even though Colombia won its match against Paraguay, Uruguay also won the match against Argentina, again reaching the position to play the playoff for the last ticket to Germany. Both Argentina and Paraguay had already qualified. Colombia ended with 24 pts, once again behind an Uruguay with 25 pts. However despite these facts you would have to look at other factors which include Colombia's last 3 matches

Uruguay: 3-2 :Colombia - FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Before the match Uruguay had 18 points while Colombia had 20 points which at the time meant that Colombia was in 5th place. However Urugauy won giving Urugauy 21 points. Zabayeta scored twice before halftime to put Uruguay 2-0 ahead and then grabbed an 86th minute winner after Colombia fought back to equalise with goals from Elkin Soto in the 79th minute and Juan Pablo Angel two minutes later.

Colombia: 1-1 :Chile - FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Colombia ties with Chile while Uruguay ties with Ecuador 0-0, in effect Colombi and Chile have 21 points and Uruguay earn 22 points.

Colombia: 1-0 :Paraguay - FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Triumph and despair for Colombia ensued on October 12, 2005 when a powerfully headed Luis Rey goal after only seven minutes saw a renewed sense of optimism sweep through the Colombia team in their visit to Paraguay. However, despite holding out for an impressive win, Reinaldo Rueda's men left Asuncion utterly dejected after it was confirmed that Uruguay had also won to claim the fifth spot for themselves. The Cafeteros' second successive failure to reach the finals of the FIFA World Cup™, hit the team extremely hard, with inconsolable players and staff refusing to comment after the game. As for Paraguay, the fact they had already secured qualification did not spare them the wrath of discontented home supporters, who hurled items onto the pitch and booed their team off. Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz was not unduly concerned, however, saying: "I don't pay any heed to that type of thing. Nobody can take away the happiness I feel after qualifying for the World Cup. That's all that matters." Colombia achieve 24 points but Uruguay also win against Argentina. Had Colombia beat Chile they would have gotten 23 points and won against Paraguay they would have gotten 26 points, thus giving them a point more than Uruguay and a secure place in the Play-Offs. However due to the tie Colombia was left out.

Final Standings

Team Pts Pld W D L GF GA GD
3418972351718
34181044291712
281884623194
281884623230
25186752328-5
241866624168
22185761822-4
181853102028-8
18184682028-8
141842122037-17

Preperation for Copa America

The current squad would appear to need to show some improvement in order to ensure a victory in the Copa America 2007 which is to be played in Venezuela. Victories agianst Poland and Morocco, a tie with Ecuador, and a loss to Germany have shown Colombia's potential

Current FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as of July 12, 2006: 21

Copa America 2007

The Copa América 2007 is a football tournament, set to be held in Venezuela between June 26 and July 15 2007. It is organized by CONMEBOL, South America's football governing body.

2010 FIFA World Cup - South Africa

World Cup Record

  • 1930 - Did not enter
  • 1934 - Did not enter
  • 1938 - Withdrew
  • 1950 - Did not enter
  • 1954 - Did not enter
  • 1958 - Did not qualify
  • 1962 - Group Stage
  • 1966 to 1986 - Did not qualify
  • 1990 - Round Of Sixteen
  • 1994 - Group Stage
  • 1998 - Group Stage
  • 2002 - Did not qualify
  • 2006 - Did not qualify

Copa América Record

 

Gold Cup Record

1991 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Not Invited

1993 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Not Invited

1996 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Not Invited

1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Not Invited

2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2nd Place - Runners-Up

2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Not Invited

2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Quarter-Finals

2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Semi-Finals

2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup:

Most caps

Player Colombia career Caps (Goals)
Carlos Valderrama 1985-1998 111 (11)
Leonel Álvarez 1985-1997 101 (1)
Freddy Rincón 1990-2001 84 (17)
Luis Carlos Perea 1987-1994 78 (2)
Óscar Córdoba 1993-2003 71 (0)
René Higuita 1987-1999 69 (3)
Arnoldo Alberto Iguarán 1979-1993 68 (25)
Alexis Mendoza 1987-1997 68 (2)
Víctor Aristizábal 1993-2003 66 (15)
Luis Fernando Herrera 1987-1996 62 (1)

Top goalscorers

Player Colombia career Goals (Caps)
Arnoldo Alberto Iguarán 1979-1993 25 (68)
Faustino Asprilla 1993-2001 20 (57)
Freddy Rincón 1990-2001 17 (84)
Víctor Aristizábal 1993-2003 15 (66)
Adolfo Valencia 1992-1998 14 (38)
Iván Valenciano 1991-2000 13 (29)
Willington José Ortiz 1973-1985 13 (49)
Antony de Ávila 1983-1998 13 (53)
Carlos Valderrama 1985-1998 11 (111)
Hernán Herrera 1979-1985 9 (42)

Famous players

External links

South American national football teams | Football in Colombia

Kolumbianische Fußballnationalmannschaft | Selección nacional de fútbol de Colombia | Équipe de Colombie de football | Nazionale di calcio della Colombia | נבחרת קולומביה בכדורגל | Kolumbijas futbola izlase | Colombiaans voetbalelftal | Reprezentacja Kolumbii w piłce nożnej | Seleção Colombiana de Futebol | Colombias fotbollslandslag

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Colombia national football team".

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