.
One has to wonder if the USA national team officials knew what they were letting themselves in for when a friendly at
Fulham's Craven Cottage, initially to be played against
Croatia, was switched to USA v
Colombia.
[
REPORT: USA 1-2 COLOMBIA]
The
Americans are known to have a strong London contingent and surprised
many with their vocal support during the 2014 World Cup, but they
weren't - and still aren't - a match for the Colombian team and fanbase
which won everyone over in
Brazil.
With
Manchester United striker
Radamel Falcao out injured,
Real Madrid's
James Rodriguez
- the man who went centre-stage at the showpiece summer tournament -
had a piercingly-loud thousands-strong contingent of Colombian fans
going mental every time he so much as touched the ball.
Thankfully James did not score himself - the ovation when
Carlos Bacca and Teo Gutierrez turned around
Jozy Altidore's early penalty for a 2-1 Colombia win was noisy enough - because who knows what would have happened, based on this evidence.
When
the South Americans went ahead late on, the match restart was delayed
as a rogue fan decided that now was the perfect time to rush onto the
Fulham pitch and embrace his hero.
Stewards descended upon the invader, which led to Rodriguez doing whatever he could to ensure they took it easy on the lad.
It
was a scene reminiscent of when he first joined Real Madrid from Monaco
in the summer, as his official public unveiling had a similar effect on
the masses.
[
BLOG: JAMES, JUST LIKE RONALDO, PLEADS FOR PITCH INVADER'S SAFETY]
At
the full-time whistle, a few more fans clad in yellow, blue and red
decided that one way to ensure the stewards can not roughhouse their own
- even if the fan was technically in the wrong for running onto the
pitch - was to outnumber them and all invade the scene of the game
together.
A
few were rugby tackled to the ground, more seemed to be having fun
out-running the staff as if they were in Pamplona at the 'running of the
bulls' before order was finally restored.
If
more international friendlies are held in London, those in charge may
think twice about inviting Colombia. But hopefully they do come back -
between the thrilling open football on display from both sides, the
crazy star presence James Rodriguez excudes, and the amazing atmosphere
cojured by the Colombian fans, it would be great to have them back.
Diem Brown's on-off love Chris "CT" Tamburello paid tribute to the late MTV star in a heartbreaking Instagram postCredit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
