Colombia hope to win the South American Under-20 Championships for the
third time in history but things certainly won’t be easy in Venezuela.
The Colombian youngsters have been drawn into a very tough Group A with Argentina, Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador. Argentina should be considered group favorites and as hosts, Venezuela will also be stronger than usual.
The top three of this group will advance to the final round, which is basically another group with six teams competing for the final victory. In that final round, the top four earn tickets to the Under-20 World Cup which is to be played in Egypt later this year.
Colombia won the tournament in 1987, beating Brazil in the final as tournament hosts. The championships were again hosted by Colombia in 2005, and again Brazil were beaten in the final.
Manager José Helmer Silva has selected 20 players to travel to Venezuela:
1. Andrés Mosquera Marmolejo – Bogotá FC
2. Ricardo Chará – Cagliari (ITA)
3. Hernán Chará – Ind. Medellín
4. Alex Díaz – Millonarios
5. Yamith Cuesta – Expreso Rojo
6. Julián Rojas – Cúcuta Deportivo
7. Cristian Nazarith – Santa Fé
8. Dawhling Leudo – La Equidad
9. David Castro – Millonarios
10. Sherman Cardenas – Bucaramanga
11. Elkin Blanco – Once Caldas
12. Camilo Vargas – Santa Fé
13. Elvis Perlaza – Envigado
14. Marco Pérez – Boyacá Chicó
15. Mauricio Arroyo – Real Cartagena
16. Miguel Julio – Ind. Medellín
17. Andrés Mosquera Guardia – Ind. Medellín
18. Javier Reina – Cruzeiro (BRA)
19. Cristian Mejía – Dep. Tolima
20. Segundo Ibarbo – Atlético Nacional
Colombia’s matches
Jan 21 Colombia – Peru
Jan 23 Ecuador – Colombia
Jan 25 Colombia – Argentina
Jan 27 Venezuela – Colombia