Pekerman highlights high-level Colombian team: "We are delighted"

Coach says players are "sweating" to meet the expectations and hopes that the people "is celebrating" after two good wins                                                                                                                                                                                                  With the victory over Ivory Coast 2-1 (watch the best moments opposite) , with goals from James Rodriguez and Juan Quintero, Colombia became very close to guarantee a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Leader of Group C with six points, coach Jose Pekerman highlighted after starting the Mane Garrincha stadium in Brasilia, the growth of the team and the high-level selection is showing in competition.  - is early to talk about it first . It was a very tough match. But now we have a peace of mind by having six points. I want to first see how the group will be set up after another game (Japan x Greece). But it is great to see Colombia playing at this level after so long - Pekerman said. As a result, the Coffee Growers can qualify for the quarter-final later on Thursday. Just that Japan does not beat Greece in duel that will happen from 19h at the Arena das Dunas in Natal.  - We are very pleased. I hope the Colombian people is celebrating. It is very difficult to play a World Cup on a high level. And we are sweating heavily shirt for Colombia to get a good image to the world of football. We are striving to meet the expectations of all Colombians fans who believe in this team. 

José Pekerman says it is early to talk about rankings (Photo: Reuters)

The Argentine coach, however, called for calm with comparisons with the Colombian national team who, in the 90s, the enchanted world of football. In the 1990 World Cup, the national team reached the quarter-final and eventually eliminated by Cameroon. It was so far the best result of the Colombian national team in a World Cup. The current team has a good chance of overcoming that campaign.  - When talking about football in Colombia always remember that team 90s (Valderrama, Higuita, Asprilla, Rincon, among others). It is impossible to erase what they did back then. They scared the whole world with a bright football. Everyone saw what that generation did. Now we have a young team, that's fine. What did Colombia get back to playing at a high level. And they can evolve. But we can not get ahead of ourselves. We need balance. It is early to talk. Today we are doing a good job.But it is premature to make any prognosis so.   Colombia The next challenge in the World Cup will be against Japan in the Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá, in the next 24 days.