Colombia national team aims to surpass their performance in Brazil 2014 at the Russia 2018 World Cup

The Colombia national team is confident in surpassing their quarterfinal performance in Brazil 2014 at the Russia 2018 World Cup. Coach José Pékerman has announced the list of the 23 players who will strive to win the first star for the 'coffee growers'.

To achieve this, he has called up several players he considers the 'spine' of the team. Among them are goalkeeper David Ospina and center-back Cristian Zapata. Midfielders Carlos Sánchez, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, and James Rodríguez also hope to surpass their achievements in Brazil 2014.

► Reinaldo Rueda will not go to the World Cup with Chile, but his daughter will go with Colombia.

Additionally, they will have the presence of Radamel Falcao, who did not participate in the previous World Cup due to an injury. This time, the 'cafetero' striker is in perfect condition to make his debut in the most important tournament of football. Alongside him, there will be forwards Luis Fernando Muriel, Carlos Bacca, and Miguel Borja.

The Colombian midfield has also seen some changes. Juan Fernando Quintero, from Argentina's River Plate, is one of the surprises. His presence eliminated Edwin Cardona from Boca Juniors from the tournament. Cardona arrived with a five-game suspension from FIFA due to a discriminatory gesture towards an opponent in a friendly match against South Korea last November.

The Colombia national team is part of Group H along with Poland, Senegal, and Japan. They will make their debut on June 19th against Japan.