FIFA World Cup 2014 : Colombia Team Preview

 Colombia Team Preview

Strengths: Colombia made good use of free kicks in qualifying and conceded barely any goals from set pieces themselves. They preferred to attack teams through the middle, with only four of their fellow finalists creating a larger share of goals from central positions.

Weaknesses: They seemed to lack an aerial threat however, being one of just three sides not to create any goals from corners in qualifying and scoring just once from the air. Colombia were also the most vulnerable South American side to long range shots, with roughly one goal in four conceded from distance. Defending a lead sometimes proved difficult, with only seven finalists ending up with a smaller share of points after going ahead.

Prospects: Both Greece and the Ivory Coast look capable of causing Colombia problems in the group stage, having been successful at coming from behind in matches. Greece and Japan were much more permissive down the wings than in the centre during qualifying, which might necessitate a tactical rethink, although the Greeks’ susceptibility to free kicks could prove useful.