Falcao desperate for Brazil berth – Yepes

Colombia forward Radamel Falcao is making every effort to feature in this year’s FIFA World Cup, captain Mario Yepes has claimed.

The South American nation are sweating on the fitness of star man Falcao, who suffered a serious knee injury in a Coupe de France tie in January.

The 28-year-old Monaco forward has been training in Argentina this week and coach Jose Pekerman is ready to give him until the last minute to seal his place in Colombia’s squad.

Pekerman has until June 2 to name his 23-man party and Yepes said on Tuesday: “El Tigre (Falcao) is fine.

“He is a very important player for us, as he was in the qualifiers.

“He is making a big effort to see if he can reach the World Cup.”

Colombia have not reached the World Cup since 1998 but hopes are high after their impressive run in qualifying.

They finished second in the South American group and Yepes feels Pekerman’s experience on the big stage – he took Argentina to the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup – could be crucial.

“Colombia hasn’t had many opportunities in the World Cup and that is why to have professor Pekerman will help us a lot,” he added.

Tensions are high in the Colombia camp with Pekerman’s final squad to be named, with Napoli’s Camilo Zuniga – who has overcome a knee injury – and Inter’s Fredy Guarin both nervous.

“The important thing was not to just return but to come back healthy,” Zuniga said.

“I always had faith that I would make it to the World Cup. I’m happy because my knee is responding well and with God’s help I will be among the 23.”

Guarin added: “I still lack preparation, but I am always available. We are all anxious to see whether we are on the final list or not.”

Colombia will play Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan in Group C in Brazil.