He was trying to pay Colombia a compliment, but Vice President Joseph R. Biden instead reminded the South American nation Wednesday of its painful recent past in World Cup soccer.
Speaking alongside Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos in Bogota, Mr. Biden said Colombia, unlike the U.S., always does “well” in the World Cup tournament.
The only problem with his statement is that this year marks Colombia’s first World Cup appearance since the late 1990s, with the nation having failed to qualify for the event in 2002, 2006 and 2010.
“We’re not accustomed over the last 30 years to be expecting to do well like you always do well,” Mr. Biden said. “But we are very hopeful, and we’re looking forward to the rest of the games.”
Colombia bested Greece in its first World Cup match this year and will face Ivory Coast later on Thursday.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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