Barmy Colombia fans steal show during London friendly with USA

Colombia's James Rodriguez saves a pitch invader from stewards... again

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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.

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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.

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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.