Mondragon breaks Milla’s record

Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon became the oldest player in World Cup history after appearing in a 4-1 win over Japan aged 43, BBC Sport reports.

Mondragon celebrated his birthday three days before the match and came on for David Ospina after 86 minutes with his side 3-1 up.

It was his first competitive appearance for his country since 2005.

Cameroon’s Roger Milla was the previous oldest player at a World Cup, appearing at the 1994 tournament aged 42.

Mondragon paid tribute to national team coach Jose Pekerman for convincing him to not retire from international football.

“Jose Pekerman convinced me to continue playing. I will never forget that,” he said.

“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.”

Mondragon’s 85th-minute appearance against Japan also broke the record for most time elapsed between World Cup finals appearances, with the 43-year-old last featuring for Colombia 16 years ago at France ‘98.