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Colombia captain Radamel Falcao has said he spoke to Peru players as the two sides played out a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw that sent his country to Russia and ensured a playoff place for their opponents. Falcao was criticised by South American media for approaching three Peru players during the match in Lima with the score at 1-1 and five minutes remaining. Video footage showed him exchanging words with midfielder Renato Tapia before talking to centre-back Christian Ramos and defender Miguel Araujo. It has been alleged that Peru did not push for a winning goal after his intervention, because even though a win would have given them direct qualification a loss would have seen them miss the playoffs. Peru, looking to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1982, now face a two-legged tie against New Zealand. Asked about his actions, Falcao told reporters: "Obviously we were aware of what was going on in the other games, we were playing with knowledge of the other results and, in that moment, [we wanted] to make that known." Tapia said he had discussed the situation but denied any pact about the scoreline had been reached. "In the last five minutes, the Colombians approached us," he told Panamerica Television. "They knew what the situation was in the other games. "So we managed the game as we had to... I spoke with Radamel, who told me we were both in, but it's football and we play to win." A FIFA spokesperson told ESPN FC: "FIFA is reviewing and analysing the reports from the referees and the match commissioners for all matches in FIFA competitions. "Events which require further attention may be communicated accordingly." Meanwhile, Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim has said Falcao will be rested for the Ligue 1 game against Lyon on Friday. The striker has been ever-present for the French champions this season, but Jardim said: "He played [on Tuesday], and there was a lot of travelling. "He won't play. Anyway, his physical condition won't allow him to play two matches in 48 hours." Information from ESPN FC's France correspondent Ian Holyman was used in this report.
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