Colombia is ready to roar! Professor Néstor Lorenzo has unveiled his cards for this summer’s World Cup, presenting a pre-list of 55 names where hierarchy is mixed with the most refreshing youth of South American soccer. At the head of this group could not be other than the great references: the tireless Luis Diaz, now star of Bayern Munich, and the eternal “10”, James Rodriguez, who lives a second wind in Minnesota United.
Of these 55 warriors in Colombia’s pre-list, only 26 will have the honor of wearing the “Tricolor” in the debut. Lorenzo’s trustworthy base remains solid with figures such as Camilo Vargas in goal, Daniel Muñoz and Davinson Sánchez at the back, and the driving force of Jefferson Lerma in the midfield.
New blood and surprises in the call-up list
But it’s not all about experience.
Lorenzo has surprised by including the new jewels of Colombian soccer.
Among the most exciting new players is Juan Manuel Rengifo, the 21-year-old who is making waves at Atlético Nacional.
As well as Néiser Villarreal, the Cruzeiro striker who has already shown his potential by scoring at the last U-20 World Cup.
In addition, midfielder Johan Rojas receives his reward after brilliant performances in Brazilian soccer.
The path of the “Tricolor” in Group K
The South American team will not have it easy, but the schedule promises strong emotions.
The debut will be on June 17 against Uzbekistan at the legendary Azteca Stadium, a venue that suits the history of coffee.
Six days later, they will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in Guadalajara.
However, the highlight will be the closing match of the group stage: on June 27 in Miami, Colombia will take on superstar Portugal, in what is already shaping up to be one of the most mediatic and vibrant duels of the entire first round.
Pre-list of Colombia
Goalkeepers: Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul-ARG), Álvaro Montero (Vélez Sarsfield-ARG), Andrés Mosquera Marmolejo (Independiente Santa Fe), David Ospina (Atlético Nacional), Aldair Quintana (Independiente del Valle-ECU) and Camilo Vargas (Atlas-MEX).
Defenders: Álvaro Angulo (Pumas-MEX), Santiago Arias (Independiente-ARG), Cristian Borja (América-MEX), Juan Cabal (Juventus-ITA), Carlos Cuesta (Vasco Da Gama-BRA), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul-MEX), Junior Hernández (Deportes Tolima), Jhon Lucumí (Bologna-ITA), Deiver Machado (Nantes-FRA), Yerry Mina (Cagliari-ITA), Johan Mojica (Mallorca-ESP), Yerson Mosquera (Wolverhampton-GBR), Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace-GBR), Edier Ocampo (Vancouver Whitecaps-USA), Andrés Felipe Román (Atlético Nacional), Jhohan Romaña (San Lorenzo-ARG) and Davinson Sánchez (Galatasaray-TUR).
Midfielders: Jhon Arias (Palmeiras-BRA), Yaser Asprilla (Galatasaray-TUR), Wilmar Barrios (Zenit-RUS), Jaminton Campaz (Rosario Central-ARG), Jorge Carrascal (Flamengo-BRA), Kevin Castaño (River Plate-ARG), Nelson Deossa (Real Betis-ESP), Sebastián Gómez (Curitiba-BRA), Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace-GBR), Juan Camilo Portilla (Athletico Paranaense-BRA), Gustavo Puerta (Racing-ESP), Juan Fernando Quintero (River Plate-ARG), Juan Manuel Rengifo (Atlético Nacional), Johan Rojas (Vasco Da Gama-BRA), Jhon Solís (Birmingham-GBR), Jordan Barrera (Botafogo-BRA) James Rodríguez (Minnesota United-USA) and Richard Ríos (Benfica-POR).
Forwards: Rafael Santos Borré (Internacional-BRA), Johan Carbonero (Internacional-BRA), Jhon Córdoba (Krasnodar-RUS), Juan Cuadrado (Pisa-ITA), Jhon Durán (Zenit-RUS), Carlos Andrés Gómez (Vasco Da Gama-BRA), Juan Camilo Hernández (Real Betis-ESP), Edwuin Cetré (Estudiantes-ARG), Stiven Mendoza (Athletico Paranaense-BRA), Luis Suárez (Sporting-POR), Sebastián Villa (Independiente Rivadavia-ARG), Neiser Villareal (Cruzeiro-BRA), Kevin Viveros (Athletico Paranaense-BRA) and Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich-GER).
Do you think James and Lucho are enough to take Colombia to the quarterfinals or are there any names missing from the list?
Filed under: Colombian Prelist
