Snak

:-)

Emotivo mensaje de Abreu tras el clásico

BUENOS AIRES -- Rosario Central se adjudicó el clásico de Rosario al vencer a Newell´s por 2-1 y, tras el partido, Sebastián Washington Abreu expresó sus emociones en algunas líneas a través de un mensaje en su sitio web oficial.

"Sin entrar en comparaciones ni polémicas de cuál es mejor, ayer me sentí realmente un privilegiado de ser jugador de fútbol, y poder vivir como protagonista uno de los momentos más disfrutables sensacionales y emocionantes de mi carrera: antes, durante y obviamente despues del partido. Todo lo que me dijeron sobre lo que significaba y se vivía en este partido fue poco en comparación a lo que sentí interiormente. Simplemente muchas gracias a todos los que me invitaron a Central y por supuesto a todo lo que involucra: el Gigante de Arroyito, el Chacho Coudet, El Polillita Da Silva, Liber Vespa, Kily González, Chaco Herrera, Marcos Ruben...qué razón tenían. Ahora los entiendo. Felicitaciones Canallas".

San Román y Carranza, sobre la pelea

BUENOS AIRES -- El defensor de Godoy Cruz de Mendoza José San Román dejó entrever hoy que Pablo Ledesma fue el responsable de los incidentes producidos al finalizar el encuentro del domingo entre ambos equipos, al señalar que el futbolista de Boca les habló "despectivamente" y se creía "más grande".

"Son cosas que quedan en la cancha. Vos podés tener problemas, porque te putearon o decir algo porque le pegaron a un compañero, pero hay cosas que no se dicen. Si te crees más grande que el otro no tenés que decir nada, lo tenés que demostrar con hechos", afirmó el lateral por derecha del conjunto mendocino.

Además, sin ocultar su descontento por los encontronazos entre los jugadores que tuvieron lugar en el estadio Malvinas Argentinas al término del partido, agregó: "Pablo Ledesma puede pensar que fue penal, pero no puede hablarnos despectivamente por creerse más grande".

San Román también cuestionó al árbitro Pedro Argañaraz, quien -según afirmó- "en algunas decisiones se veía que quería cobrar un penal, como lo que pasó con (David) Achucarro y (Franco) Cángele". "No sé si era el árbitro adecuado para este partido", concluyó el defensor surgido de la cantera de River Plate.

El arquero de Godoy Cruz, Jorge Carranza, hizo hoy una autocrítica por el comportamiento de los futbolistas sobre el final del partido ante Boca, y también cuestionó al volante xeneize Pablo Ledesma por generar el conflicto.

"Ledesma no entendió que la tenia que cortar y lo invitó a pelear a Curbelo", se quejó Carranza, quien también estuvo a los manotazos con Daniel "Cata" Díaz en el bochornoso final del partido.

También evaluó que el árbitro Pedro Argañaraz "fue malo para los dos" equipos.

Asimismo, Carranza admitió: "nosotros sabemos que nos equivocamos".

Vivas: "Me agredió y me defendí"

BUENOS AIRES -- Nelson Vivas dejó este lunes la dirección técnica de Quilmes al ser aceptada la renuncia que presentó luego de agredir con golpes de puño a un socio de esa institución al finalizar el encuentro del pasado viernes frente a Atlético de Rafaela, en el estadio Centenario.

El ahora ex técnico "cervecero", quien aclaró que esa agresión "no coincide con la imagen que debe dar un entrenador", justificó la reacción sobre Carlos Dondero al indicar que fue ese socio de 57 años quien lo atacó en primera instancia y que por ese motivo lo que se vio fue "una persona agredida defendiéndose".

El plantel será conducido en forma interina por el coordinador general Horacio Milozzi y por Marcelo Pontiroli, quien formaba parte del cuerpo técnico de Reserva.

Mientras, comenzó la danza de nombres en la cual se mencionó como eventuales reemplazantes a Luis Zubeldía y Facundo Sava, rápidamente eliminados de la lista de candidatos, y en la que parece picar en punta el de Blas Giunta.

Otros técnicos que sonaron para ocupar el cargo dejado vacante por Vivas son Marcelo Gallardo, Juan Manuel Llop, Ramón Cabrero, José Romero, Rubén Forestello y Marcelo Fuentes.

Vivas, con poco menos de cuatro meses al frente del plantel profesional de Quilmes en su primera experiencia como líder de un grupo, pasó a despedirse por la tarde del plantel y, además de resaltar la campaña de 14 puntos realizada hasta el momento, explicó que fue el socio "cervecero" quien lo invitó a encontrarse al final del partido ante Rafaela y quien primero intentó agredirlo.

"Esta persona me hostigó durante los 90 minutos diciéndome todas las barbaridades que se puedan imaginar. Al final del partido me invitó a esperarme e intentó agredirme", afirmó.

Vivas consideró además en una rueda de prensa en la que no aceptó preguntas que, "de seguir esa racha, se aseguraría dos años de permanencia tranquila" y que por tal motivo "no es deportivo" el motivo de su alejamiento, que se concretó con una reunión con el presidente de la institución, Aníbal Fernández, en su despacho, "donde se terminó la historia".

El ex jugador del seleccionado argentino y ex colaborador de Diego Simeone fue cuestionado por Fernández, quien consideró que Vivas "metió la pata".

"El entiende que es una situación incómoda, estamos todos metidos para terminar con el tema de la violencia y no puede cometer errores de esta naturaleza", sostuvo Fernández por radio La Red.

Si bien dijo no conocer al socio que fue a increpar a Vivas, Fernández admitió que "haber puteado" miles de veces en la cancha pero no puede haber reacción por ello.

"Para el técnico o el político o el policía del cuerpo de Infantería, la puteada es parte del oficio y si nos vamos a sacar la cadena cada vez que nos putean es no tener temple", dijo, cuestionando claramente al entrenador.

Verón podría volver en Estudiantes

LA PLATA -- El capitán y emblema de Estudiantes de La Plata, Juan Sebastián Verón, podría reaparecer en el equipo de Mauricio Pellegrino para recibir el lunes a Quilmes, por la décimo tercera fecha del Torneo Inicial.

Verón, quien se recupera de una distención en la rodilla sufrida en el clásico platense frente a Gimnasia, trabajó hoy a la par de sus compañeros en el regreso a los entrenamientos tras la derrota ante Argentinos y podría ser parte del equipo para enfrentar al conjunto "Cervecero".

El plantel "Pincharrata" regresó a los entrenamientos luego de caer en La Paternal 1-0, y bajo la atenta mirada de Pellegrino realizó trabajos físicos en el gimnasio y luego ejercicios con pelota.

Estudiantes, que marcha duodécimo en la tabla de posiciones con 16 puntos, recibirá el lunes a Quilmes, a partir de las 18 y con arbitraje de Jorge Baliño.

Russo, sobre el triunfo ante Newell´s

ROSARIO -- El entrenador de Rosario Central, Miguel Russo, afirmó este lunes que ganarle el clásico a Newell´s "era lo que necesitaban los hinchas y los jugadores", pero sostuvo que ahora deben "fortalecerse en los números" para mantenerse fuera de los puestos de descenso.

"Sabía lo que significaba para Central después de lo que pasó en el último tiempo, con Promoción, descenso y tres años en la B Nacional. Pero (el club) nunca bajó los brazos, peleó a su manera y ahora le llegó el momento de disfrutar", dijo Russo un día después de ganar el clásico rosarino, que volvió a jugarse luego de tres años.

Y más tarde precisó: "Esto era lo que necesitaba la gente y los jugadores. En definitiva, hay que crear una relación entre el equipo y el hincha, y eso te permite jugar con calma. Son cosas muy importantes que van más allá de lo que pasa en los noventa minutos".

Sin embargo, Russo no quiere que sus jugadores se queden sólo con la gran victoria ante Newell´s, y remarcó que deben "seguir mejorando y jugando" porque "ahora hay que fortalecerse en los números".

Es que Central necesita seguir engrosando su promedio para mantenerse fuera de los puestos de descenso y darle forma al objetivo de mantener la categoría.

Lidt flere kampreferater fra weekendens kampe i Chile.

Soccer roundup: U de Chile on the rise, Cobreloa in free-fall

Universidad Católica remains top of the league after defeat over Wanderers, O’Higgins maintains the pace and Borghi set to replace Benítez despite Colo Colo victory.

Universidad Católica 2-0 Santiago Wanderers

Católica maintained its league leader status with an intense and taxing win over Wanderers on Saturday. The loss was a bitter pill for the visitors, who matched Católica in every area but the scoreline. Católica held on in the first half and welcomed another show-stopping performance from the imperious Cristopher Toselli, before two strikes late in the game sunk the team from Valparaíso.

Martín Lasarte admitted such a “heavy battle” against a physically imposing Wanderers side was not ideal preparation for his team’s massive Copa Sudamericana show-down with São Paulo on Wednesday.

“It was a tough game, though we expected that against Wanderers, a physically powerful team that’s difficult to penetrate defensively,” the Católica manager said to press after the match. “It was a hard fought win … I wish it had been a different kind of game, though not every match is a walk in the park.”

Wanderers strikers Marco Sebastián Pol and Matías Donoso set the standard early on, hassling and harrying the Católica backline and breaking up the home side’s attempts to build from deep. Before the break, Pol broke free of his marker into a one-on-one, though the striker was rebuffed by Toselli who then leapt to his feet to prevent Donoso scoring the rebound, rounding off a brilliant double save.

Understandably, the visitors could not maintain the same advanced pressure for 90 minutes, and Católica boasted the majority of possession in the second period. Patient yet assertive, Católica continued to probe the rugged traveling defense, and the break soon came.

Midfielder Tómas Costa picked out Donoso with a floated center from deep, and the striker knocked the ball down to the feet of fellow Michael Ríos who fired into the top of the net to open the scoring in the 79th minute.

The teams continued to battled it out in midfield, though Wanderers became dangerously stretched in their search for an equalizer, and a red card for midfielder Sebastián Méndez led to further space for the opposition to exploit. In injury time, Wanderers keeper Mauricio Viana had to race off his line to deal with an unmarked Católica onslaught — his efforts broke up the attack momentarily, though Ismael Sosa reclaimed the ball and Viana failed to get back in position in time to prevent the striker’s looping shot from making it two.

The loss ends Wanderers three game win streak and leaves the side 10th in the league. For its part, Católica must catch its breath with haste — its last-16 Copa Sudamericana match is followed by a potentially season defining “Clasico Universitario” against fellow title-chasers Universidad de Chile next weekend.

Iquique 0-3 Universidad de Chile

In a game high-stake match-up, “La U” grabbed a crucial win over Iquique on Saturday, relegating the home team into seventh in the league and loudly announcing its title intentions for the first time this season.

Having endured a sputtering start to the Apertura, Universidad de Chile has put together a four game unbeaten run and the team now sits fourth in the table, just five points behind Católica ahead of the two sides’ clash next weekend. The victory was a double coup for the side as it prevented highflying Iquique from securing third in the league.

The demands of an international break often tire a player, though Charles Aránguiz’s inclusion in “La Selección” seems to have left him brimming with confidence — the midfielder was irrepressible Saturday, scoring twice and creating several other chances for teammates.

Going into the match, Iquique had not lost in eight matches, and began the game in determined fashion, going close several times, most notably in the 16th minute when midfielder Rodrigo Díaz stung Johnny Herrera’s hands.

The side struggled to contain a stacked “La U” frontline however — youngsters Patricio Rubio and Rubén Farfán stretched the backline with diagonal runs, and the mercurial Sebastián Ubilla was unlucky not to win a penalty after being bowled over during one of his signature darting runs.

The referee did rule in favor of the visitors when Farfán was brought down outside the area in the 38th minute, and Aránguiz whipped in a devilish, dipping free kick to open his account.

The midfielder then showed the diversity in his technique, replacing placement with power in his second free kick goal midway through the second half. Having drawn the foul himself 35 yards from goal, Aránguiz’s right foot delivered a vicious hammer blow, sending the rising ball hurtling into the underside of the net.

Substitute forward Isaac Díaz put the game beyond Iquique with a strike ten minutes from time, and the visitors trudged off the pitch soundly beaten.

Universidad de Concepción 0-1 O’Higgins

O’Higgins kept the heat on Católica with a win over Concepción on Saturday — the team from Rancagua is even on points with the league leaders. While the 11 point gap in goal difference is an indication of the flair with which Católica has gone about its season, it does not tell the whole story. Three times this term Católica has relinquished leads late in games it should have won — most memorably against Iquique who clinched a 2-2 draw with 91st and 94th minute strikes. O’Higgins, in contrast, has not scored more than two goals in a league game all season, and has won 1-0 four times, showing a proffessional ability to hold its nerve and shutout teams for the result.

Playmaker Pablo Hernández’s well-taken strike from 18 yards just before the break sent Concepción to eighth.

Colo Colo 2-1 Cobreloa

Cobreloa’s reversal in fortunes continued Sunday, as the side fell to Colo Colo courtesy of a Felipe Flores strike in injury time. Little over a month ago, the Northern club was top of the table, competing in the knockout stages of the Copa Sudamericana and on course for an unprecedented 26 game unbeaten run. The club has now lost its last four games — including a shootout loss to bitter rival Cobresal in the Copa Chile — and sits six points off Católica in fifth place.

The home team went in front through striker Emilio Hernández in the 22nd minute, though Cobreloa hit its straps in the second half and tied up the game through a beautiful Jonathan Chávez freekick on the hour mark. The game looked set to end 1-1, though in the game’s dying minutes Flores showed incredible strength and agility to ward-off the goalkeeper and guide a shot in from an improbable angle, giving his team the win.

Despite Sunday’s victory, the powers that be seem to have decided that eleventh place in the league is no place for Chile’s most successful footballing institution. Club favorite and former Chile manager Claudio Borghi looks odds-on to replace Gustavo Benítez at Colo Colo in the near future.

Unión Española 2-1 Palestino

Española registered its fifth win in seven games against Palestino on Saturday to go ninth in the table a restore a semblance of dignity to an appalling title defense.

Palestino had the home side worried after going ahead through striker Roberto Gutiérrez’s cool finish on the hour mark, though defender Jorge Ampuero’s header three minutes later and midfielder Diego Scotti’s thrilling freekick eight minutes from time gave Española the three points.

Palestino sits sixth in the league.

Cobresal 1-0 Huachipato

Cobresal trotted to a 1-0 victory over Huachipato on Sunday, leaving the visitor firmly rooted to the bottom of the table.

Unexpectedly, the division’s top teams have had to take notice of Cobresal. After a poor start to the season, the Northern club has taken 12 points out of the last 15 available, rising to third in the league while remaining in contention for the Copa Chile.

A quite astounding performance from Huachipato goalkeeper Nery Veloso prevented a drubbing, but not a loss — striker Álvaro Navarro headed home six minutes from time.

Audax Italiano 0-2 Ñublense

Italiano fell to the sword of Nubleñse on Friday, and sits second from bottom. Italiano’s form this season has taken a bizarre and perfect downward trajectory, comprised of a win, five draws, and five straight losses. Ñublense on the other hand managed its third win in four games to go 12th, courtesy of a deflected header from fullback Benjamín Ruiz and a beautiful solo effort from striker Luciano Vásquez.

Antofagasta 0-2 Rangers

Rangers came out on top in a mid table battle against Antofagasta on Sunday. Striker Mauricio Gómez showed poise in the box to net before the half, and forward Fabián Bordagaray’s breakaway goal killed off the game ten minutes after the restart. Rangers go 16th while the Northern club is two places above them.

Unión La Calera 2-0 Everton

La Calera registered its first win in eight games against Everton on Sunday. Centerback Hugo Basceñán’s scrappy goal in the first half preceded a Leandro Benedas strike in the second, extending Everton’s losing streak to four league matches.

Everton and La Calera are 15th and 13th in the league respectively.

Apertura upcoming fixtures:

Oct. 25, 8 p.m: Huachipato vs. Audax Italiano
Oct. 26, 12:30 p.m: Palestino vs. Antofagasta
Oct. 26, 3:30 p.m: vs. O’Higgins vs. Colo Colo
Oct. 26, 6 p.m: Rangers vs. Unión Española
Oct. 26, 8:30 p.m: Everton vs. Iquique
Oct. 27, 12 p.m: Universidad de Chile vs. Universidad Católica
Oct. 27, 4 p.m: Cobreloa vs. Unión La Calera
Oct. 27, 4 p.m: Santiago Wanderers vs. Universidad de Concepción
Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m: Ñublense vs. Cobresal

It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over

Uruguay’s U-17 team continued its World Cup campaign earlier today, taking on Ivory Coast. Uruguay was hoping to build off their huge 7-0 victory over New Zealand in their opening game. Things certainly went differently than in that game. What was 90 minutes of fun, joy, and scoring loads of goals turned into 94 minutes of agony, nerves, and 1 HUGE goal.

Today’s starting line-up was the same as their opening match game: Thiago Cardozo, Joel Bregonis, Fabrizo Buschiazzo, Enrique Etcheverry, Matias Suarez, Franco Pizzichillo, Kevin Mendez, Gaston Faber, Leandro Otormin, Marcio Benitez,and Franco Acosta.

Everyone knew coming into this game that Ivory Coast was going to be a tougher matchup than New Zealand, and Ivory Coast proved to be just that. They came out strong; challenging the Uruguayan defense and goalkeeper Cardozo more in the opening minutes than the Kiwis did in an entire game. After the opening moments, both teams were trading possession looking for the long through ball. But slowly Ivory Coast began to retain possession and keep the ball in Uruguay’s half. In the 17th minute, an Aboubakar Keita shot from far away that had no hope of going in, found hope on the foot of Joel Bregonis. He was slightly off target in his attempt the clear the ball, redirecting it up and over Cardozo’s head for an own goal and a 1-0 lead for Ivory Coast. After a couple of more attempts from Ivory Coast, and a few chances from the Uruguay side including a header towards an empty net that missed and an Acosta shot that hit the woodwork, the Ivorians would go into the half with the lead.

The second started similar to the first, trading possession, then seeing Ivory Coast start to hold onto it again. Cardozo was called on again a few times to keep the game within reach, when Ivory Coast started to play a more defensive game in an attempt to hold onto the 1-0 lead. Despite all their trying, and getting close at times, Uruguay just couldn’t break through that last line of defense. The clock running, and Uruguay looking desperate to salvage a point, the Africans got a little taste of their own medicine. A long ball from Cardozo flicked by substitute Francis D’Albenas was saved off the end line by Matias Suarez and sent towards the goal. A bad defensive clear was headed back towards the penalty area by D’Albenas and landed at the feet of Acosta, who was able to turn and shoot the ball off an Ivory Coast arm and into the net in the 94th and final minute of the game. 1 – 1 final.

Acosta did the finishing, but I think it was Suarez and D’Albenas that may have very well saved Uruguay’s World Cup campaign. Uruguay didn’t play a good game. In the first half, they were just as unlucky to have not scored goals as they were lucky not to have gotten scored on more. The defense had some trouble dealing with the speed of the Africans , and the passing was just awful in comparison to their first game. Up until that final minute, Acosta was really not getting anything to work with, and the finishing left a lot to be desired. The midfield had trouble dealing with the physicality of the opponent, and Ivory Coast did a decent job neutralizing them. The defense consistently looked for the long ball, and although, yes, it was what ended up setting up the tying goal, it was extremely frustrating to watch. But, these are still kids, they’re going to get better, and they’ll have to be in their final group stage game on Wednesday against Italy, who qualified for the next round beating New Zealand 1 – 0 earlier today. With a win or tie, La Celeste will be on to the next round. With a Uruguay loss, they’d have to hope Ivory Coast loses or ties, or at least doesn’t make up whatever goal differential would exist in a win.

Here are the current standings for Group B:

1. Italy – 6 pts
2. Uruguay – 4 pts
3. Ivory Coast – 1 pt
4. New Zealand – 0 pt

Romagnoli: "El triunfo no tapa la final"

BUENOS AIRES -- El mediocampista de San Lorenzo Leandro Romagnoli admitió este lunes que la goleada del sábado ante All Boys por 3-0 "no tapa" la final perdida por Copa Argentina ante Arsenal por el mismo resultado el miércoles en Catamarca.

"El triunfo no tapa lo que pasó en Catamarca. Todavía me duele el pecho y no sé cuándo se me va a ir", se sinceró uno de los emblemas del equipo de Juan Antonio Pizzi sobre un partido por el que "daría todo" por volver a jugar.

En ese sentido, reconoció: "No le encuentro explicación a cómo se perdió. Estoy muy triste. Lloré porque pensé en la familia y en la gente que estaba ahí y no le pude dar esa alegría".

"Nos sentimos mal, pero nos queda el campeonato y tenemos la mentalidad de pelearla", destacó Pipi en diálogo con Radio La Red. Tras reponerse del duro golpe que significó la pérdida de la Copa Argentina, que incluso puso en riesgo la continuidad de Juan Antonio Pizzi al frente del plantel por decisión propia, San Lorenzo, a tres puntos del líder Newell´s, se prepara para seguir dando pelea en el ámbito local.

El siguiente compromiso será el miércoles a las 21.30 contra Lanús como visitante, partido en el cual tiene chances de retornar Santiago Gentiletti en reemplazo de Mauro Cetto.

Además, el técnico deberá definir si regresan o no a la titularidad Emanuel Más y Néstor Ortigoza, en reemplazo de Walter Kannemann y Enzo Kalinski.

Tager den også lige på engelsk....

Vivas resigns after punching fan

Quilmes coach Nelson Vivas has handed in his resignation after punching a fan in a 1-1 draw with Atletico Rafaela on Friday.

The 44-year-old - who spent part of his playing career representing Premier League side Arsenal - had to be restrained by police after turning on a Quilmes supporter during the match.

Vivas only took the job at Quilmes – his first managerial role – at the start of the season, but resigned as a result of his attack on the fan.

Vivas, who spent three years at Arsenal from 1998 to 2001, said his actions were out of character.

"I´m not a violent person but I realise that´s not the image a trainer should give," Vivas said.

Quilmes president Anibal Fernandez said that Vivas was aware of his mistake but that he had no choice but to accept his resignation.

"He came to my office and handed in his resignation. He knows he put his foot in it and realises the situation is uncomfortable for the team and regrets his actions," he told Radio La Red.

"We´re trying all means to curb violence (in football in Argentina) and he can´t commit such an error."

The now-managerless Quilmes are 16th in the Argentina Primera Division, with just one win in their last seven league games.

og så lidt retro...


EXCLUSIVE: Faryd Mondragon, Colombia´s Old Guard

Written by Guy Pakeman

Faryd Mondragón will celebrate his 43rd birthday during the group phase of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It´s almost certain that Colombia will be there, meaning the veteran goalkeeper is set to become the oldest player in tournament history. Recalled to the national team squad when José Pékerman took charge, Mondragón backs up current number one, Nice´s David Ospina, who has been one of the unsung heroes of Colombia´s bid to qualify for the first time since 1998.

Back then Mondragón was first choice, starting all 3 games, and Ospina credits the presence of his experienced teammate as an important factor in his strong performances. After spending most of his club career outside Colombia, Mondragón returned home in 2012, re-joining the side he started his career with - Deportivo Cali.

SouthAmericanFootball.co.uk sat down with the veteran to ask him about his hometown club, Pékerman, the national team and the World Cup.

Why did you decide to come back to Colombia to continue your career?

After being abroad for almost 19 years I decided to come back to my club. This is my club, the club that formed me, and the club I support. I am a member and I played here in all the youth categories. The new board of directors that took over last year is a group of my friends. They are people that I know and I decided to accept their invitation for this project knowing that this is my city and that this is my club.

What keeps you motivated to continue playing?

Obviously, the passion I have inside is still something I feel every morning when I wake up and come to train at the club I love. And one thing that has obviously influenced me a lot is that I am part of Colombia’s National Team still - for me this is also an immense motivation. To be able to get to the World Cup and to be the oldest player the history of football to do so? For me, that would be fantastic.

What´s the secret to your longevity?

I think it is to eat healthily, to live a very normal life, to train hard and above all it´s the love and the passion I have for football.

What´s your role with the national team these days?

Well, obviously my main role is still to be a player. But, as a player of my experience, it is also my duty to talk, to give opinions, and to be very aware of any circumstances that might be avoided, things that have gone badly in the past, so they are not repeated. I have had a lot of experiences with the National Team and different clubs in the past. It is very important to know which path to take, because the qualifying round is a very difficult competition, especially here in South America. Colombia hasn’t been to a World Cup in many years, so we are at a stage when we need a lot of concentration and a lot of focus to do things almost perfectly.

Were you surprised when Pékerman called you up?

It was a surprise and a joy, and I also felt very proud because being part of this team has been extraordinary.

What did he say to you?

He congratulated me, told me that I was playing very well in the league, that he needed people that he could count on. He said that he knew that I was older than the other players but that he needed to bring in someone with experience, someone that could bring a lot of things to the group, and I was delighted to accept.

What will it mean to Colombia to go to the World Cup for the first time since 1998?

It’s fantastic. It’s wonderful and I think the whole country is full of hopes that the National Team will achieve extremely good results. But we still have more steps to go, perhaps the most difficult steps. We hope to achieve qualification as soon as possible to be able to bring joy to the Colombian people who need it so much and that have waited a long time for it.

You started all Colombia´s games in 1998 - what stands out for you the most?

I think it is perhaps the moment when you are singing the national anthem and you realise that you are singing it at a World Cup, I think that is something special. Growing up I went to a British School and when I was very little I learned both the Colombian anthem and the English one, and on the day of the match against England I had a special feeling when both anthems were played because I knew them both since an early age, there are so many things and many feelings involved. It is obviously a privilege to be able to lift your head up and see the big screen with your name up there, defending your country’s shirt in a World Cup. That is indescribable.

And what about going to a World Cup for the third time?

It would be like ending my career with a gold medal - it would be something wonderful to be able to go to a third World Cup, and it would obviously be a personal achievement too. It would be a dream come true.

They say you have to be a little bit crazy to be a goalkeeper?

Yes it´s true. I think goalkeepers, like referees, must be a little mad for having chosen such jobs, but I like it a lot. I wanted to be a goalkeeper since I was very young and I will enjoy it to the last minute.


You spent a long time in Europe - what did you gain from that experience?

The first club I played for in Europe was Zaragoza and the season there was not very good. Then I went back to Independiente in Argentina and then I went to France, where I stayed for one year before I moved to Galatasaray. I played for there for six years and they were probably the best six years of my career, playing the Champions League every year and winning 3 titles. I think that was the top moment of my career.

When you do decide to retire, how do you want to be remembered?

As a passionate goalkeeper, as a person that always gave everything he had, and as a friendly and polite person.

And what does the future hold, after you hang the gloves up for the last time?

I don’t know. I have many ideas. I would like to work in television commentating on football. And there is a project here with Cali that I´m pursuing. But I don’t know, there are many options, but I don’t want to think about it too much, because I want to enjoy life day by day, every moment I still have as an active player.