No Falcao, No Problem for Free-Flowing Colombia

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 14, 2014

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Radamel Falcao Garcia is an icon in Colombia. His image adorns billboards for banks, soft drinks and government tourism campaigns, and he is considered an excellent role model for the country’s youth. Media outlets gave hourly updates on his unsuccessful attempt to recover from knee surgery in time for the World Cup.

Yet say it quietly, find an isolated corner and whisper it: Maybe Colombia are a better team without him.

That is not to say that there won't be moments during this World Cup when Colombia will wish they had Falcao at their disposal. Or, indeed, that the fear factor he inspires in opponents would not have proved useful. In pure talent terms, he is Colombia's best striker.



But on Saturday, in their 3-0 victory over Greece, Colombia attacked with sufficient fluidity and vibrancy to suggest that he will not be overly missed.

FT: #COL 3 #GRE 0. No surprise that the South American teams have started so strongly. Played 3, won 3 so far. #BRA #CHI #COL

— Oliver Kay (@OliverKayTimes) June 14, 2014 Coach Jose Pekerman normally employed a 4-2-2-2 formation during the qualifiers, aware that Falcao performs best with an attacking partner in close quarters—be that Hulk drifting in off the right at Porto or Diego Costa or Adrian at Atletico Madrid.

The need to provide Falcao with a nearby associate did somewhat limit Pekerman's tactical options, and the absence of the Monaco marksman has allowed him to experiment with a lone striker—a role that Carlos Bacca, Jackson Martinez and Teofilo Gutierrez are all comfortable fulfilling.

It was Gutierrez, Falcao’s regular strike partner during qualifying, who was fielded up front by himself in the 3-0 victory over Jordan in Colombia's final pre-tournament friendly, and the River Plate striker was again given the nod on Saturday, starting at the head of a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Gutierrez perfo...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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