We kick off our analysis of Group C by taking a look at the South American contenders, Colombia. Jose Pekerman’s side open their campaign against Greece on Saturday June 14 at 5pm, then square up to Ivory Coast five days later at 5pm before a showdown with Japan on Tuesday June 24 at 9pm in the final round of Group C fixtures:
Road to Qualification
Pekerman’s side finished in second spot in the CONMEBOL standings, just two points behind top-of-the-table Argentina. Winning nine and drawing three of their 16 fixtures, Colombia scored 27 times, conceded just 13 – the most impressive defensive record amongst the South American sides – and registered seven clean sheets along the way.
Most Starts David Ospina (16), James Rodriguez (15), Pablo Armero (13), Radamel Falcao, Mario Yepes, Abel Aguilar (12), Luis Perea, Camilo Zuniga (11), Teofilo Gutierrez (10), Carlos Sanchez (9)
Most Goals Radamel Falcao (9), Teofilo Gutierrez (6), James Rodriguez (3)
The Key Targets
In recent friendlies, the South Americans have beaten Belgium and drawn with both Holland and Tunisia, and, given their form, are expected to progress despite the likely absence of top scorer Radamel Falcao. The Monaco frontman – who notched nine times during qualifying – is struggling to recover from a knee injury which will surely dent Colombia’s prospects; if passed fit, he’s available for a hefty 9.6 in FantasyiTeam.
Set to line up in a 4-2-2-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation, the full-back pairing of Camilo Zuniga and Pablo Armero (4.9 and 5.0 in FantasyiTeam) played a major part in the qualifying campaign. Their pace down the flanks is a key aspect of Colombia’s attack-minded philosophy, though at the heart of defence, veteran centre-halves Mario Yepes and Luis Perea, aged 38 and 35 respectively, could be exposed for lack of mobility in the conditions, thus reducing the chances of clean sheets. The latter two are similarly priced in FantasyiTeam, at 4.8 and 4.9 – Yepes scored twice during qualifying and carries a greater attacking threat.
In central midfield, Carlos Sanchez, Edwin Valencia and Abel Aguilar will battle it out for the double-pivot – providing a much-need energy in the middle of the park, their ball-winning contributions will be smiled upon favourably by the scoring system in the McDonald’s game.
Monaco’s James Rodriguez is the star attraction in the attacking midfield slots. He arrives in excellent form, having produced nine goals and 12 assists for his club in 2013/14 and was handed penalty duties in Falcao’s absence in the recent friendly draw with Tunisia. Rodriguez is nailed-on as a left winger in a 4-2-2-2, though could also be shifted to a central role behind a lone striker if Peckerman opts for a 4-2-3-1. He’s favourably priced in FantasyiTeam, setting you back just 6.5.
If Falcao fails to recover in time, Jackson Martinez (8.4 in FantasyiTeam,) could be tasked with firing the goals up front. Starting only four of the 16 qualifying matches, he’s been a peripheral figure under Pekerman but a superb season at Porto has harvested 20 goals and three assists.
The Long Shots
Another real in-form option, Juan Cuadrado has caught the eye with a series of commanding displays on the flank for Fiorentina. He racked up 11 goals and five assists in Serie A last time around and looks set to line up on the right flank – available for only 5.3 in FantasyiTeam,, he may sneak under the radar with Rodriguez likely to garner more attention in midfield.
Up front, Teofilo Gutierrez was Falcao’s main strike partner during qualification. Playing slightly deeper than the Monaco man, he still managed six goals and with 10 starts to his name during the group stages, he looks assured of continuing in Pekerman’s XI come the kick off – he’s also very kindly priced at just 6.4 in FantasyiTeam.
Further Analysis
Group A – Brazil,Cameroon, Croatia, Mexico
Group B – Australia, Chile, Holland, Spain
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