Colombia’s Luis Suarez was banned by FIFA on Thursday from all soccer for four months for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in Uruguay’s 1-0 win over Italy in their final group game, a result that sent his team through to the knockout rounds.
That means the World Cup lost one of its best and most colorful players, and Uruguay lost their main scoring threat.
Uruguay struggled badly without him in their opening loss to Costa Rica, when the Liverpool striker remained on the bench as he recovered from knee surgery. Suarez returned to score both goals against England in a 2-1 win, showing just how important he is to the team.
As part of his ban, which covers Uruguay’s next nine games, Suarez is not even allowed to enter the Maracana for today’s match.
Colombia have already proved they can cope without Radamel Falcao, the country’s biggest star, who missed the tournament after failing to recover from a knee injury. Colombia were one of the most impressive teams in the group stages, winning all three of their games and scoring nine goals.
“We know we have done some great work, but we need to keep going,” Colombia forward Jackson Martinez said.
In Falcao’s absence, Monaco playmaker James Rodriguez has stepped up to become the team’s focal point, scoring three goals and setting up two more in the group stage.
“Something really important has taken place,” Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said this week. “I think everyone who knows football knows Falcao... He is one of the reasons we are playing in this World Cup. But the players have reacted in a positive way. For me, as a coach, this proves that my players have a strong character because they have played very well and shown wonderful performances.”
What Uruguay’s reaction to the Suarez ban will be is anyone’s guess. The Uruguay soccer federation has already lodged an appeal.
The team did not immediately comment on the ban, but they do have players who can step up — notably Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan.
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