Who knew Colombians are such sentimental fellows? When Colombia secured the top spot in Group C, the team decided to pay homage to a veteran goalkeeper by inviting him on the field during its match against Japan, Daily Mail said. 43 year-old Faryd Mondragon's five-minute play in the match would mark it his sixth World Cup performance, including qualifying campaigns, and is considered the oldest player in tournament history.
The veteran did not disappoint fans of his team, as he displayed his impressive skills as a goalkeeper during the match.
Mondragon's appearance in the World Cup was first hinted by team manager Jose Pekerman, who said that the retiring player would get a game against Japan. He said before the game, "While I'm aware of the situation I have to analyse the entire squad,' he said before the game. If it happens it would be nice, but is the not prime objective before the game."
True to his word, Mondragon was called in to substitute the main goalkeeper David Ospina, much to the delight of his fans. There was nothing but respect and love for Mondragon by his obviously younger teammates, as evident in the televised match and in photos.
Pundits who have followed Mondragon's career had nothing but praise for the Colombian. Since Colombia first entered tournament finals in 1998, Mondragon was credited by BBC's Tim Vickery for singlehandedly preventing England to not run up a cricket score. He was later overcome by David Beckham's free kick at that time though, Daily Mail noted.
Although tournament substitution rules dictate that the Colombians would no longer be able to reinstate their original lineup players in the match once replaced by a substitute, Pekerman's decision was a calculated move, as Mondragon entered in the 85th minute, and that the team eventually won 4-1 against the Japanese.
Mondragon has nothing but praises for Pekerman for revitalizing his career. Recently turning 43 over the weekend prior to the match, he said. "Pekerman convinced me to continue playing. I will never forget that. If it wasn't for him, I would have retired two years ago. I feel privileged to be here, it was my best birthday ever."
Mondragon has trumped the previous record set by USA's Roger Milla at 42 years of age at the 1994 World Cup.
