The worst fears of Colombian national team fans were realized on Thursday with the news that star forward Radamel Falcao will miss the 2014 World Cup with a torn ACL.
The AS Monaco striker suffered the injury in a fourth-round Coupe De France match against fourth-division side Chasselay on Wednesday, with an ugly tackle from behind doing the damage.
Falcao’s injury is a crushing blow to Colombia’s World Cup hopes. Considered a leading contender to go far in the tournament, Colombia will now have to make due without its leading player.
The injury could create an opportunity for former Seattle Sounders forward Fredy Montero, who is on the fringes of the Colombian national team forward conversation, but a stellar season with Portuguese side Sporting CP has boosted his profile and could lead Colombian head coach Jose Pekerman to consider him among a stable of forwards that includes Porto star Jackson Martinez, River Plate’s Teofilo Gutierrez and Sevilla forward Carlos Bacca.
What do you think of Colombia’s World Cup chances now? See the ‘Cafeteros’ posing a threat? Still see them advancing out of their group?
Share your thoughts below.