is a special SBS News series running in the lead up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. It looks at the 32 qualifying countries through the eyes of their fans in Australia.
Colombia’s current form has given their fans confidence they can progress deep into the knockout stages at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The South American nation won seven and drew six matches to qualify for the tournament and have been undefeated in their last three friendlies, including a shock 3-2 victory against France in Paris.
“We are very optimistic, we think we’re going to go to the semi-finals,” Johanna Castillo, a Colombia fan and community organiser based in Sydney, told SBS News.
“I’ve already asked for time off work,” another local fan and musician Ivan Caceres, said.
Johanna Castillo (right) with Colombian musicians, including Ivan Caceres (2nd from right). Source: Laurie Lawira, SBS News
Colombia will also look to build on their quarter-final finish at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil; their best result in the tournament’s history.
James Rodriguez, who was 22 years old at the time, topped the team’s score sheet with six goals, and may be best remembered for one of the strikes of the tournament in Colombia’s 2-0 quarterfinal win against Uruguay.
Alongside him this time around will be striker Radamel Falcao. The 32-year-old missed the last World Cup because of a knee-injury but following 18 goals for French side AS Monaco this season will be a boost for his national team.
Falcao tops his country’s all-time goal-scoring list but with 21 of his own, Rodriguez, also Colombia’s captain, trails only by eight.
Carlos Henaon (right, front row) with his Colombian teammates at a tournament in Sydney. Source: Laurie Lawira, SBS News
There is no doubting how important football and the World Cup are to Colombia. Thousands of fans in the capital Bogota welcomed the return of the national team following their quarter-final finish last time around.
“Football is passion, football is fun, football is family as well,” Sydney-based Colombia fan Maria Fernanda told SBS News.
“So for all the people, football is like life.”
It also provides a common bond for those living overseas.
“When you’re living and sharing with people from your country, there’s a feeling like you’re at home again,” another fan, Carlos Henaon, said.
Over 18,000 Colombian expats live in Australia and community organisers have already planned events around each match.
“All of Colombia is focused on [when the national team plays]. So everyone is thinking about the match, where are we going to watch it, where are we going to drink, where are we going to eat,” Mr Henaon said.
“Like any country we have differences but when there’s a Colombia match, we all get together.”
And when Colombians assemble there will undoubtedly be some traditional music to not only set the mood but provide a little reminder of their heritage.
“Music is happiness, and that’s what we are, we Colombians are happy,” musician Casares said.
“I think people remember when [they were] back in Colombia ... those memories that come back when you hear the music.”
Colombia open their World Cup campaign against Japan on 19 June before facing Poland and Senegal.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins 15 June. SBS will broadcast the biggest games, including the opening match, semi-finals and final, live, free and in HD.
