Radamel Falcao Withdraws from 2014 World Cup After Injury Battle
Colombian striker Radamel Falcao has officially announced that he will not take part in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The AS Monaco star, who sustained a serious knee injury in January, had mounted a determined effort to recover in time for the tournament in Brazil. However, the race against time has ultimately been lost.
“It’s a difficult moment,” Falcao said during a press conference alongside national team coach José Pékerman. “I will support the team with all my strength. The forwards selected for the World Cup are great players who have the support of the team and the coaches. They have been good throughout the season.”
The absence of the talismanic striker is a significant blow to Los Cafeteros, who were counting on his experience and prolific goal-scoring record. In his stead, the attacking duties will fall on the shoulders of Jackson Martínez, Carlos Bacca, and James Rodríguez, among others.
Colombia is drawn into Group C, where they will face Ivory Coast, Greece, and Japan.
🇨🇴 Colombia’s 23-Man Squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup
🧤 Goalkeepers:
David Ospina (Nice, France)
Faryd Mondragón (Deportivo Cali)
Camilo Vargas (Santa Fe)
🛡️ Defenders:
Pablo Armero (West Ham, England)
Camilo Zúñiga (Napoli, Italy)
Cristian Zapata (AC Milan, Italy)
Éder Álvarez Balanta (River Plate, Argentina)
Mario Yepes (Atalanta, Italy)
Carlos Valdés (San Lorenzo, Argentina)
⚙️ Midfielders:
Abel Aguilar (Toulouse, France)
Fredy Guarín (Inter Milan, Italy)
Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina, Italy)
James Rodríguez (Monaco, France)
Carlos Sánchez (Elche, Spain)
Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands)
Alexander Mejía (Atlético Nacional)
Juan Fernando Quintero (Porto, Portugal)
Aldo Leao Ramírez (Morelia, Mexico)
⚔️ Forwards:
Jackson Martínez (Porto, Portugal)
Carlos Bacca (Sevilla, Spain)
Teófilo Gutiérrez (River Plate, Argentina)
Adrián Ramos (Hertha Berlin, Germany)
Víctor Ibarbo (Cagliari, Italy)
