Colombia

[Vic]

http://www.fifa.com/mm//Photo/Tournament/Competition/01/33/88/04/1338804_FULL-LND.jpg

It’s a tricky group, containing some of the best teams in world football. If we really want to qualify for the next round, we’ll have to arrive in Germany fully prepared. USA and Sweden are global footballing powerhouses, while Korea DPR have already demonstrated their potential at youth level. They’ve since matured, and will be tough opponents to overcome. Regarding our chances, although it’s our first World Cup, we’re an ambitious team. Make no mistake, our goal is to win the tournament. But we first need to get through the group.

~Ricardo Rozo, Colombia coach

http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/competition/01/33/88/07/1338807%5ffull-lnd.jpg

[Vic]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy8_eq_ZVY4

Velasquez Helps Colombian National Team Qualify for 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup (http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/112910aab.html)

[Vic]

http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/competition/01/33/88/26/1338826%5ffull-lnd.jpg

Investment in youth and hard work have been the key factors in the recent upturn in the fortunes of Colombia, who will be making their tournament debut at Germany 2011. Following on from the achievement of the U-20 side in finishing fourth at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany earlier this year, Las Cafeteras finished runners-up in the South American Women’s Championship, held this month in Ecuador.

Eight of that successful U-20 team have since made a successful transition to the senior side, proof of the hard work the Colombians have put in since the U-17s won the continental championship two years ago to clinch a berth at New Zealand 2008. Given their steep upward curve, it would be no surprise to see the youthful South Americans excel next summer.

http://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/news/newsid=1340536/index.html