Colombia manager Jose Pekerman has claimed that any side missing the services of Radamel Falcao would be worse off.

The 64-year-old admits that it was a sad day for everyone involved with the team when Falcao lost his battle to be ready for the World Cup following knee surgery, but he knows that his focus must be on the players who have made it to Brazil.

"We suffered a lot that day," Pekerman told reporters. "We showed that and it's a positive thing - it comes from inside.

"Injuries are in the past now, though. We are focusing on the players that are here.

"I won't lie to you - any team that's here at the World Cup would want to have Falcao as their centre-forward."

Colombia's campaign begins against Greece on Saturday.