Rio 2016 men's, Group B: Colombia can turn promise into reality

Colombia is a national team in transition.

Following Los Cafeteros' poor start to 2018 World Cup qualifying, Jose Pekerman started calling up younger players with an eye to the future, knowing it was time to lay the groundwork for the next generation.

At the Copa America Centenario, Pekerman's approach didn't exactly inspire confidence in Colombia's road ahead. Using the pace of its youthful squad to emphasise a counter-attacking style of play, Los Cafeteros finished third but trailed off significantly after starting the tournament so well.

It became clear the team is still a work in progress.

Rio 2016 presents Colombia with another chance to rediscover its identity and go from being a competitor to a title-contender. The Olympic Games might not be the most prestigious event when it comes to football, but a gold medal would do wonders for Los Cafeteros' future.

Before standing on the podium, however, Colombia must go through the likes of Sweden, Nigeria, and Japan in Group B.

Group Schedule

4 Players to Watch

Sweden: Alexander Milosevic

Those who are unfamiliar with Alexander Milosevic's name may have stumbled upon it on YouTube unknowingly.

The Swedish centre-back scored a wonderful goal from the edge of the centre circle in 2012, when he was still representing AIK Fotball. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Hannover 96 from Besiktas, making 10 appearances for the German club.

Colombia: Teofilo Gutierrez

Off the pitch, Teofilo Gutierrez once pulled a gun on a teammate. On the pitch, the Colombian forward won't hesitate the hit the target.

"Now the toy I always carry is not a revolver but a ball," Teo once said, according to the Guardian. If Colombia is to compete for a medal at Rio 2016, Los Cafeteros will need the 31-year-old to replicate his form from Sporting Clube de Portugal, for whom he tallied 11 goals through 23 Primeira Liga appearances last season.

Nigeria: Daniel Akpeyi

Nigeria's fate at Rio 2016 rests largely in Daniel Akpeyi's hands.

The 29-year-old 'keeper, who is employed by South African club Chippa United, is one of the Super Eagles' overage players at the tournament and will be looking to do what Dosu Joseph did at Atlanta 1996 and help the national team win a gold medal.

Japan: Hiroki Fujiharu

Hiroki Fujiharu is a large reason why Gamba Osaka is among the J.League's top clubs. The 27-year-old defender is one of Japan's two overage players at Rio 2016, and he will be relied upon as the Samurai Blue goes in search of its first medal since Mexico City 1968.

Upset Potential

Unlike some other groups, Group B doesn't have much in the way of a clear favourite or underdog, meaning it's lacking in upset potential. While Colombia is arguably the strongest team because of the clubs from which its squad was selected, Sweden and Nigeria have previously won a gold medal in football. Then there's Japan, whose efficient style of play means victory is never unattainable.

Predicted Finish

Group B may very well see all four teams finish the group stage with at least one victory, meaning the two sides that progress could do so by the slimmest of margins. But since Colombia will benefit from the scorching heat of Manaus, Brazil, Los Cafeteros are predicted to finish atop.

1. Colombia
2. Nigeria
3. Japan
4. Sweden