Colombia's Faryd Mondragon becomes the World Cup's oldest ever player after late sentimental substitution
- Veteran 'keeper sets record at 43 years and 3 days old
- Beats Roger Milla's record which has stood for 20 years
- Came on for the final five minutes for 56th cap in 4-1 win over Japan
With top spot in Group C all-but guaranteed, Colombia made a sentimental substitution - bringing on a veteran goalkeeper for one last international appearance.
In doing so, Faryd Mondragon became the oldest ever player at a World Cup at the grand age of 43 years and 3 days old in the 4-1 win over Japan.
It was Mondragon's SIXTH World Cup, including qualifying campaigns - having first started out as Oscar Cordoba's understudy in the run-up to USA '94.
VIDEO Scroll down for David Beckham's '98 free kick that Mondragon couldn't quite save
Golden Oldie: Mondragon came on for the final five minutes in a fitting end to his long career
Old timer: Mondragon saves from Michael Owen back at France '98 as England faced Colombia
This is Colombia's first World Cup finals since 1998.
Mondragon, who plays his club football in Colombia with Deportivo Cali, picked up his 56th cap on Tuesday night as a 85th minute substitute, replacing first-choice 'keeper David Ospina.
And while playing at the 1998 World Cup in France, he was beaten by David Beckham's brilliant free kick - but the BBC's Tim Vickery said that Mondragon was: 'single-handedly responsible for the fact that England did not run up a cricket score.'
Colombia manager Jose Pekerman had hinted that the soon-to-retire 43-year-old would get a game against Japan - and held true to his word despite admitting some reservations over the idea.
'While I'm aware of the situation I have to analyse the entire squad,' he said before the game.
'If it happens it would be nice, but is the not prime objective before the game.'
Contrast: The veteran 'keeper has been a part of six World Cup squads - this is the third one he has played for
Hero: Pablo Armero shows his respect for the 56-cap 'keeper as he comes on for what will probably be his last
VIDEO Cuiaba party for Colombia after third straight win
Experiences: Mondragon has come up against some of the world's greatest including Messi...and England
And Mondragon, who celebrated his birthday on Saturday, praised his international manager for revitalising his career.
'Pekerman convinced me to continue playing. I will never forget that.
'If it wasn't for him, I would have retired two years ago. I feel privileged to be here, it was my best birthday ever.'
The World Cup's oldest player record was previously held by Roger Milla, who played at the age of 42 years, one month and eight days at USA '94.
Mondragon has played for the likes of Independiente and Galatasaray across his 24-year professional career.
Prayer: Mondragon appears to offer a prayer to the sky as he prepares to come on for his 56th cap
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