Radamel Falcao’s disappointing performance at English club Manchester United was forgotten on Saturday when he netted the only goal for his native Colombia in a friendly match against Costa Rica.
One week ahead of the Copa America, the main international soccer tournament for South American nations, Falcao and the other cafeteros went to Argentina for the final warm-up.
Colombia’s Argentine coach Jose Pekerman had already said that Falcao’s position in the national team was “unchallenged” and even named him team captain for the Copa America.
ProfileRadamel Falcao |
Falcao’s position in Colombia national team unchallenged: Pekerman
The striker didn’t let his coach down and scored the game’s only goal in the first minute of the second half, defining the final score against a defensive-playing Costa Rica.
Other attempts to take the lead were thwarted by Costa Rica goal keeper Esteban Alvarado.
The Copa America will begin on Thursday with Colombia attending its first match in Group C, against Venezuela, on Sunday.
In order to advance to the second round of the tournament, the cafeteros will have to finish either first or second in the group that also contains soccer giant Brazil and Peru.