Colombia's Greatest XI: 2000-2020

Since the turn of the millennium, Colombia experienced two decades of relatively contrasting fortunes.

They won the Copa America for the first and only time in the country’s history on home soil in 2001, before failing to qualify for the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cup.

However, they made up for lost time in 2014, surging into the quarter finals for the very first time, and capturing the world’s imagination with their exciting brand of attacking football. A slightly different philosophy was in place four years later, as Colombia opted to elegantly beat the s*** out of England in the last 16.

Let’s take a look at Colombia’s greatest XI from 2000 to 2020.

Goal Keeper and Defenders

Faryd Mondragón - Famed for his display against England way back in the 1998 World Cup, Mondragón was one hell of a servant for the Colombian national team. His international career spanned 21 years and he took part in no fewer than five World Cup qualifying campaigns. Aged 43, Mondragón came on for the final five minutes of Colombia’s final group game of the 2014 World Cup, becoming the oldest player in the competition’s history.

Iván Córdoba - The long serving Inter defender has a fond place in Colombia fans’ hearts, after captaining the country to Copa America glory in 2001. Córdoba scored the winner in the final against Mexico - a glancing header from a free kick - to ensure his name is forever etched into Colombian football history.

Mario Yepes - With 102 appearances for his country, the old fashioned centre half is the second most capped player in Colombian football history. He took the armband in 2008, and captained the side to their best ever World Cup finish in 2014, aged 38. Colombia loved a veteran during the tournament, with Yepes the oldest outfield player at the competition.

Yerry Mina - The Everton man played three times at the 2018 World Cup, scoring three times from centre back, which is unbelievably prolific. When he was on the pitch, Mina was responsible for 60% of Colombia’s goals during the competition. His tally means he shares the record for the most goals scored by a defender at a single World Cup.

Juan Camilo Zúñiga - The flying fullback was an integral part of Colombia’s hugely successful 2014 World Cup squad. The team conceded just three goals in four games when Zúñiga was on the pitch, although he is best remembered for accidentally injuring Neymar during their quarter final clash with Brazil, ruling the home nation’s talisman out for the rest of the tournament.

Midfielders

Carlos Sanchez - La Roca’s discipline and defensive prowess enabled Colombia’s creative forces Juan Cuadrado and James Rodriguez to flourish at the 2014 World Cup. The West Ham midfielder was part of the Colombia side that reached the 2015 Copa America quarter finals, expertly man marking Neymar in the group stage encounter. Sanchez was also in the squad for the 2018 World Cup, but was sent off three minutes into Colombia’s opening group stage fixture for handball.

Juan Cuadrado - The winger epitomised everything that was great about Colombia’s 2014 side with his flair and creativity. Cuadrado provided four assists at the World Cup, tying with Toni Kroos for most goals created at the tournament - although Kroos did play two games more. Cuadrado also appeared in every fixture during the 2018 World Cup, scoring in Colombia’s 3-0 group stage victory against Poland.

James Rodriguez - James burst onto the international stage with a series of sublime performances at the 2014 World Cup. He hit six goals in six appearances to scoop the Golden Boot, including a stunning volley against Uruguay in the last 16, which was named goal of the year. His goal against Japan in the group stages was also a magnificent demonstration of balance, skill and imagination. Injuries plagued his 2018 World Cup campaign, but he still put in a man of the match performance against Poland - the only time he managed 90 minutes.

Forwards

Teofilo Gutierrez - Instrumental in Colombia’s qualification for the 2014 World Cup, Gutierrez scored six goals in 11 appearances to send his country to the finals for the first time in 16 years. He stepped into the injured Falcao’s shoes during the tournament, scoring his side’s second in their 3-0 group stage victory over Greece.

Radamel Falcao - Colombia’s talisman hit nine goals during qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, but heartbreakingly missed out on a place in the squad after suffering an ACL injury. He eventually made his World Cup bow in 2018, and put in a magnificent display during their group stage victory over Poland, hitting his first World Cup goal. Falcao’s 34 goals for his country make him Colombia’s all-time top scorer.

Carlos Bacca - The dogged forward only made one appearance at the 2014 World Cup, coming off the bench to win his side a penalty in the quarter final defeat to Brazil. However, he made his mark at the 2016 Copa America, scoring the winner for Colombia against the USA in the third place playoff as Colombia recorded their best finish at the competition since winning it back in 2001 - although there are still question marks over whether Bacca actually touched the ball to send it over the line.