Colombia began its South American qualifying campaign in great style, beating Peru (3-0) and Chile (1-0) before drawing with Uruguay (0-0), with whom it jointly topped the preliminary group table. However the Colombians found the final group much tougher going indeed, it failed to win a match and only scrapped through with a point to spare over Ecuador. More worryingly two 0-0 draws with Ecuador and Uruguay and a 0-1 defeat by Brazil meant the team finished its final matches without scoring a goal, a problem it will have to overcome in Australia if it is to impress. By qualifying for the finals of the FIFA/Coca-Cola cup Colombia again proved that it had joined the elite of South American Football - once the exclusive reserve of Brazil, Argebtina and Uruguay. Youth Coach Carlos "Piscis" Restrepo uses a most unconventional system based on the 4-4-2 formation and without a sweeper, though this can change depending on the opponent. Colombias tactics fascinated former Australian Captain Johnny Warren who watched the team qualify and then compete in a youth tournament in Venezuela. He was impressed with the players silky skills and says that the team will be very competitive. Colombia has fine outstanding players, with Goalkeeper Daniel Velez the pin-up boy. He is regarded as the best in his age group in Latin America and, like his renowned countryman Rene Higuita, has an unorthodox style that will thoroughly entertain Australian crowds. Nixon Perea and John Garcia are the sides creative playmakers; they are both key players who operate very deep. The teams well being depends on this brilliant duo. Both youngsters are well established first team starters at Nacional Medellin, Colombias leading club. Henry Zambarano plays like a third striker operating from behind and feeding the twin strikers Francisco Mosqueras, another Nacional player, and Franky Oviedo with precision passes and perfect crosses. Left sided striker Mosqueras is one of the South American players who created a lasting impression on Johnny Warren during his 6 week stay on that continent last year. Colombia did not qualify for Portugal in '91 but reached the semi-finals two years earlier in Saudi Arabia. Coach Restropo thinks his charges can do at least as well in Australia. He rates his defence as one of the best in the world, and says he will fear no team - not even Brazil, the tournament favourites. Goalkeeper Velez inspires the entire defensive line where fullback Gerson Gonzales is one of the best markers in the world. In the final analysis, however, success will rest on the strikers ability to score the goals that have been hard to come by since the squad was first assembled two years ago. Squad: (likely) - nicknames in capitals ------ Javier Alonso CHICA Calixto Jose CHIQUILLO John Mario GARCIA Sadiel Alexis GUAPACHA Cesar Alfredo JARAMILLO Leonardo Fabio MORENO Francisco MOSQUERA Willmer Alexander ORTEGON Franky OVIEDO Nixon PEREA Juan Carlos QUINTERO Oscar Alejandro RESTREPO Henry VASQUEZ Daniel Antonio VELEZ Juan David VELEZ