Radamel Falcao Injury: Does Colombian National Team Stand A Chance Without Him?

Over the past few years Radamel Falcao has become one of the best strikers in the entire world. Sadly, football fans will not be able to see his sublime skill on display during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Falcao’s injury means that he will join a number of other star players who will not be able to showcase their talent in this summer’s tournament. The question now remains about what his injury means for the Colombian team.

After playing for Argentinean powerhouse River Plate for five years, Falcao made his way to Portugal in 2009 where he netted 41 goals in 51 appearances over the span of three years. As he continued his career and moved to Spanish side Atletico Madrid, he put in an astounding 52 goals in 68 games. Showcasing talents as good as his, it was no surprise that French side AS Monaco decided to splurge an unbelievable amount of money for the Colombian superstar.

There is no denying the fact that losing the Monaco striker is a huge hit to Colombia’s chances at winning this year’s tournament. Though they were never expected to go far in the competition, the Colombian side is expected to make it out of their group; which sees them placed with Greece, Japan and the Ivory Coast. The question now looms over about how big of an impact his absence will have on the Colombian team.

Luckily enough for “Los Cafeteros”, they have the depth and youth to provide some stability at the forward position. It is up to Carlos Bacca, Jackson Martinez and Teofilo Gutierrez, who will all have to step up in Falcao’s absence. Though hard to make up for a loss as big as Falcao’s, the options that the Colombians can deploy up top is a luxury not many teams have.

Despite the loss of their top player, I do see Colombia getting out, and most likely winning their group. The problem from there is that they will most likely encounter Uruguay or Italy. Though they could potentially pull one out of the hat, I don’t see them beating either of those teams, with or without Falcao.