Radamel Falcao scored his first international goal in nearly a year as Colombia cruised to 3-0 victory over El Salvador in a friendly match in New Jersey.
Falcao, currently on loan to Manchester United from Monaco, opened the scoring in the seventh minute, twisting his body to convert a Santiago Arias cross with a powerful header from near the penalty spot. It was his first goal for Colombia since November 2013 and was celebrated by a largely pro-Colombia crowd at the Red Bull Arena, home of the MLS side New York Red Bulls.
Falcao missed Colombia’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals as he was still recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He had made his international return as a late substitute in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Brazil last month. Carlos Bacca scored twice in the space of three minutes in the second half, in the 48th and 51st minutes, to give Colombia a comfortable lead.
Although Colombia pressed from the first, it was El Salvador who created the first opportunity, but the Colombia keeper Camilo Vargas was able to deny a thunderous shot from Alexander Larín. Colombia responded immediately, and three minutes later Arias’s cross was immaculately headed home by Falcao.
El Salvador face Ecuador – who drew 1-1 with the United States in Connecticut on Friday – and Colombia play Canada in a double-header at the Red Bull Arena on Tuesday.