Eusebio Escobar: The last witness of Colombia's first World Cup generation
Colombia's national team lost another legend: Hernando 'El Mono' Tovar, a central defender who was part of the 1962 World Cup squad, passed away at 88. With his death, Eusebio 'La Locomotora' Escobar becomes the last surviving player from that historic team.
Escobar, a forward who shone in the 1950s and 1960s, scored 159 goals in the Primera A and was key for Deportivo Pereira, where he netted 99 goals in 186 matches. His goal against Peru in the World Cup qualifiers made him an icon.
Who were the players in Colombia's 1962 World Cup team?
The squad, managed by Adolfo Pedernera, included legends like Efraín Sánchez, Marcos Coll, and Jaime González. However, most have passed away-from Sánchez in 2020 to Tovar in 2026-leaving only Escobar alive.
How did Colombia perform in their first World Cup?
Though they were eliminated in the group stage, they left an unforgettable mark: Marcos Coll's Olympic goal, the first in Colombia's World Cup history. They finished 14th out of 16 teams.
What does this legacy mean for Colombian football?
That team laid the foundation for Colombian football on the world stage. Today, with the national team leading Group C in the 2026 World Cup (1st with 7 points, 2W-1D-0L), Escobar and his teammates' legacy continues to inspire new generations.
