Monday, 30th June, 2014
Everton boss Roberto Martinez has been thrilled to see Colombia in the World Cup and believes that the absence of talismanic striker Radamel Falcao has spurred them on.
The AS Monaco striker is not playing in the tournament after suffering a knee ligament injury earlier this year, but was present during their first group game, cheering from the stands.
According to the Spanish manager, the team have done well after being written off following the loss of their star striker.
And that he believes, has provided the team with a challenge to prove themselves.
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“Colombia were one of the teams I was most looking forward to seeing in this World Cup", the 40-year-old told Everton's official website.
"But it was easy, after their talismanic forward Radamel Falcao was ruled out by a cruciate knee ligament, to believe that perhaps their chance had gone.
"Even without the Monaco striker, though, they look like the most perfectly balanced team in this World Cup.
"His absence has provided Colombia with a challenge, given them a determination to prove they can succeed even without their natural leader. They are rising to it."
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