With Radamel Falcao finally healthy enough to play in his first World Cup, Colombia are trying to get accustomed to handling higher expectations.
Heading into their tournament opener against Japan, Colombia are no longer the upstart Cinderella story they became four years ago in Brazil, when they advanced to the quarterfinals despite Falcao's absence.
The 32-year-old Falcao hasn't scored much for Colombia — at least not yet. But he had 24 goals in 35 appearances for Monaco during the last club season.
Colombia's triumphs in the past World Cup included a 4-1 victory over Japan in the final game of group play. The rematch involves many of the same players, including, perhaps, attacking midfielder James Rodriguez, if his recently strained left calf doesn't act up. But the Japanese are hoping that some different circumstances work in their favor.
EXPERIENCE FACTOR
Japan first appeared in a World Cup in 1998 and have qualified for every one since, so they're hoping their experience helps.
Attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda, right back Atsuto Uchida, defender Yuto Nagamoto and forward Shinji Okazaki are among the Japanese playing in their third World Cup. Borussia Dortmund forward Shinji Kagawa is in his second after making his tournament debut in Brazil.
Bold blend
less than half of the 23-man roster Colombia had in Brazil remains. Thirteen have never played a World Cup match, including Falcao. But eight of the likely starters played in the tournament four years ago. Coach Jose Pekerman asserts that mix has his team poised to advance beyond the quarterfinals for the first time.