One word has dominated José Pekermans press conferences at the World Cup calm and no player followed that instruction with more conviction in Colombias defeat of Greece than Mario Yepes. The veteran defender will make his 100th appearance in a Colombia shirt against Ivory Coast on Thursday and intends to retire when the tournament is over. The captains form is essential to delaying that farewell as long as possible.
The focus was on Colombias attack in the absence of Radamel Falcao before their opening game and remained there following their biggest win in five World Cup tournament appearances. James Rodríguez was voted man of the match after patiently dissecting Greeces respected defence in the 3-0 victory, Juan Cuadrado demonstrated his blossoming reputation at Fiorentina on the right and Teófilo Gutiérrez led the line selflessly in the heat of Belo Horizonte. But it was Yepes composure and organisation in defence that gave them the platform to impress.
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