Carlos Bacca believes the battle for strikers’ places in Jose Pekerman’s squad benefits Colombia and is confident he will be selected for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.

The 31-year-old has been in and out of the team under the man who coached Argentina at Germany 2006, with the likes of Miguel Borja, Falcao, Teo Gutierrez, Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata getting playing time in attack. Bacca nevertheless started Los Cafeteros’ last game – a 0-0 draw with Australia – and has scored in his last three appearances for Villarreal.

“When there is competition it’s nice and good for the national team,” said Bacca. “I’ve always had the faith of the coaching staff. I had it when I was out of form, so now that I’m in form I’ll retain their confidence. I trust in God and I work for this.

“The coach knows us all, knows what each player can give him. It’s been a long process and I hope we can have a great World Cup.”

Colombia face Poland, Senegal and Japan in a wide open Group H. Los Cafeteros will be appearing at their sixth World Cup, having recorded their best-ever finish at Brazil 2014.

Colombia were 2-0 down to the hosts in the quarter-finals when Bacca was sent on for his World Cup debut. He quickly won a penalty, which James Rodriguez converted to guarantee himself the adidas Golden Boot, but it was insufficient to save Pekerman’s underdogs.

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