Shadow Of Shame

Córdoba doesn't feel sorry for Higuita. "René contributed a lot to the growth of the Colombian team," Córdoba says. "He came at the right moment. We always feel that he's with us. It's not that I'm here because he's not. It's my turn."

Pablo Escobar is dead, not forgotten. Neither is Colombia's old goalie. While Higuita celebrated his 27th birthday last August in Patio Number 5 of Modelo Prison, Córdoba and his teammates held a small celebration in his honor. They set up a video camera and placed Higuita's uniform on a chair. Everybody sang Happy Birthday to You.

Two days after that, Colombia crushed Peru 4-0. Higuita watched the game on TV in jail. Later the tape of his birthday party came in the mail.