Jose Pekerman: 'We have brought back pride to Colombian football'

Colombia boss Jose Pekerman has expressed his belief that his side's performance at the World Cup has brought pride back to the country's football.

Pekerman's side recorded Colombia's best-ever performance at the tournament as they reached the quarter-finals before they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Brazil, despite James Rodriguez netting his sixth goal of the World Cup in the clash in Fortaleza.

He told reporters: "We dreamed of this for James Rodriguez. He was one of the protagonists of the World Cup.

"After being absent from the World Cup for a long time the performance here has made Colombian football valued. We have shown we have some very talented players and also competed with an important spirit."

Rodriguez is currently leading the race for the Golden Boot.