Confident again after goal: Falcao

ABU DHABI - Radamel Falcao's miserable season took on a slightly brighter hue as his second-half penalty in Monday's 3-1 friendly win over Kuwait saw him move alongside Arnoldo Iguaran as Colombia's all-time joint top scorer with 24 goals.

Colombia, warming up for the Copa America in Chile from June 11 to July 4, took the lead with a volley by holding midfielder Abel Aguilar in the 22nd minute.

Defender Mesaed Al Enezi equalised at a corner on the stroke of half-time and substitute Edwin Cardona restored the third-ranked South Americans' lead in the 68th.

Falcao, quoted by the Colombian daily El Tiempo, suggested that the record was not on his mind when he took the penalty after being brought down on the edge of the box.

"The fact is you're concentrated in taking (the penalty) and thank God I was able to score," said Falcao.

The 29-year-old striker - who has failed to impress at Manchester United, scoring just four times since his loan move last summer - said the goal was welcome, but the most important thing about Colombia's wins over Kuwait and Bahrain, whom they beat 6-0 on Thursday, was the confidence the wins brought to the team.

"Good, I am happy to have scored, but the most important thing is the victory for the team," said Falcao, who missed last year's World Cup finals after failing to recover in time from a serious knee injury.

"Today, we played a good team in the shape of Kuwait who created several chances, and that helps us prepare for similar situations in future matches.

"These wins will help to build confidence for the Copa America."

Colombia are drawn alongside Brazil - who edged them out in the World Cup quarter-finals last year - Peru and Venezuela.

Iguaran ran up his tally for the national side between 1979 and 1993.

Falcao also expressed faith that he could stay with United next season.

"I have faith about that and when the season finishes, I am going to sit down and think about my future and what is the best for my career.

"I think when I score, it's always important and that gives me confidence," he added.

"I said before, I need minutes, I need to play games in a row and here, in the national team, I have had the opportunity. I gave my best and I scored, and I now return to Manchester with more confidence.

"We have the last eight games, I will give my best to have the chance to play as many minutes as possible...I am confident about me, about my fitness."