Despite Colombia’s heartbreaking loss to Brazil in the quarterfinals, Colombia can walk away from the 2014 World Cup knowing that they reached fifth place.
To break the tie in points between Belgium and Colombia for fifth place (both with 12), Colombia had a +8 goal difference, while Belgium had a +3 goal difference. France and Costa Rica followed as far as teams eliminated in the quarterfinals were concerned, according to FIFA statistics.
Colombia also has a leader in the goal scoring category (for now); James Rodriguez has six goals and two assists while next in line, Germany’s Thomas Mueller has one more chance to score his sixth goal to equal James’ record. James has maintained his number one spot as the best midfielder in the tournament, according to the FIFA/Castrol Index.
Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, Colombia’s star winger, is tied with Germany’s Toni Kroos for most assists in the World Cup, with one game left for the German side.
Colombia won a total of four games, defeating Greece 3-0, Cote d’Ivoire 2-1, and Japan 4-1 to win their group. In the Round of 16, Colombia easily handled a Luis Suarez-less Uruguay, 2-0. Colombia’s only loss came against Brazil 1-2 in a controversial quarterfinal match.
MORE: Colombia loses 1-2 to Brazil, ending historic World Cup run in thrilling quarterfinal
“Los Cafeteros,” as the team is known in its native Colombia, was received in the nation’s capital by cheering crowds in praise for coach Jose Nestor Pekerman and the team as a whole. The national team responded with several dance numbers, like they did in their World Cup goal celebrations.
Sources
- FIFA statistics (FIFA website)