Striker Radamel Falcao will start Colombia’s crunch World Cup 2014 qualifier against Peru, coach Jose Pekerman confirmed.
The Atletico Madrid frontman has shaken off a muscle injury and will lead the line for Los Cafeteros in tomorrow’s crucial tie in Lima.
But flying wing-back Juan Zuniga has ruled himself out of both the Peru game and against Ecuador a week later as Argentine coach Pekerman looks to put valuable points on the board in the race to reach the 2014 World Cup finals.
Colombia currently sit in sixth place in the South American standings after taking four points from their opening three games.
A historic first win in Bolivia was followed by a disappointing home draw against Venezuela and then a crushing defeat to Argentina in Barranquilla, a result which cost Leonel Alvarez his job.
Since then highly respected coach Pékerman has taken over and presided over an impressive 2-0 friendly win against Mexico in February.
Falcao is expected to take his place in a Pekerman’s favoured 4-4-2 system alongside either speedy Atlético Nacional striker Dorlan Pábon or FC Porto target Jackson Martínez.
Colombia will go into the game confident of extending their unbeaten run against Perú in Lima – Los Cafeteros haven’t lost in the Peruvian capital for 31 years.
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