Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao marked his first international start for almost a year with a goal as Colombia beat El Salvador 3-0 at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.
Falcao had not started for Jose Pekerman’s side since 19 November 2013 - when Colombia recorded a goalless draw against Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands - after damaging his anterior crucial ligament while playing for Monaco in the Coupe de France in January.
After missing the World Cup in Brazil, the 28-year-old made his long-awaited return to the starting line-up on Saturday morning (BST) and found the net in just the seventh minute by latching onto Santiago Arias’ cross to direct a powerful header past El Salvador goalkeeper Henry Hernandez. Notably, the finish also made him Colombia’s second highest scorer of all time with a record of 21 goals in 52 appearances.
Strike partner Carlos Bacca then bagged two goals in as many minutes during the early stages of the second half, with Falcao providing an assist for the second as Colombia outclassed their opponents to end a two-game losing streak.
Speaking after the match, Pekerman praised his opening scorer and hailed a positive result. “We're happy to be able to watch Falcao once again score a goal with the national team,” he said. “We were hoping that it was going to happen. And that's very important tonight. In the second half, obviously the goals came fast. That was clearly key - it enabled the team to relax and seal off the game.”
Elsewhere, Reds winger Antonio Valencia was not named in the starting team or on the bench for Ecuador’s 1-1 draw with USA in Connecticut. A reason for his absence has not been reported.
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