Colombia made history in the 2014 World Cup by reaching the quarterfinals, although eventually losing to Brazil. Nevertheless, Colombia’s dance moves remain alive and well as the international press praises Colombia’s dances and goal celebrations.
After the group stage, Reuters praised Colombia’s celebrations, “the Colombian team may have the best goal celebration dance at this World Cup,” while the USA Today stated after the match against Greece, “Colombia’s dance party is the best goal celebration of the World Cup (so far).”
Hailed by FIFA to be “Colombia’s lord of dance,” Pablo Armero had the special privilege of leading the first goal celebration when he scored first against Greece in the June 14 victory over the European side. Armero, known across Colombia as “Miñía,” is typically the first to join in the festivities for the Colombian squad, and is known for his dance moves.
Armero has also appeared in an advertisement for sportswear giant Adidas, in which he shows off the moves that inaugurated the celebrations following Colombia’s first World Cup qualification in 16 years.
Colombians were also lauded in a popular Youtube video showing James Rodriguez’s goal celebration with his teammates, comparing it to the French side who were (trying?) to replicate the Colombians’ dance moves.
The dances have had another effect on Colombia – Google Trends highlighted that searches for “cumbia,” Colombia’s national dance, have doubled after the folkloric dance was adopted by the country’s national team to celebrate goals.
MORE: Colombia breaks popularity records on Google during World Cup
Although Colombia was eliminated by Brazil, Colombia was received back home with a welcome fit for a team that just made history for the country. The team gave back fans for their support by doing what they do best (besides soccer), dancing.
Young, up and coming defender Eder Alvarez Balanta danced his heart out in a “car-driving” move, while others opted for the traditional dance moves shown in the World Cup.
Further dance moves were shown when several Colombian players imitated Armero’s signature “dog” move, which involves lifting up one fist and then the other with the beat, bending down and running on all fours like a dog.
MORE: Colombia gives soccer squad overwhelming welcome in Bogota