Norwich City newboy Jose Cordoba on Copa America dream

Norwich City's only summer signing to date has impressed during a tournament that saw Panama cause shock by edging past the USA and Bolivia to reach the knockout stages for the first time. 

Any further progress in the competition would leave Cordoba waiting to link up with his new teammates at Colney ahead of the new Championship campaign. Johannes Hoff Thorup plans for the 23-year-old to play a key part in his side. 

Norwich identified Cordoba as a key target and have shelled out £3m to sign him from Bulgarian side Levksi Sofia, pipping Scottish giants Rangers and others within Europe to his signature.

This run in the Copa America is adding to a remarkable summer for the central defender, who is relishing the challenge despite being firm underdogs in the final-eight tie. 

“We bonded very quickly, and the feeling has always been positive. That has helped us a lot,” he said on Panama's success.

“We are very happy with everything that has happened; we are on the right track and we are very happy and eager to play against them. We are excited. We also know the players because, of course, we watch the top leagues, and most of them are there, so we are very happy." 

Colombia topped Group D ahead of Brazil and have an attack including Liverpool's Luis Diaz, striker Jhon Cordoba and former Real Madrid winger James Rodriguez. 

City signed Cordoba from Levski Sofia earlier this summer. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

The defender, who has acted as somewhat of a leader during Panama's campaign, knows they will have to produce a high-level performance to contend with the various threats that Colombia pose. 

"We will have to be very effective when we have the ball. We have to be very effective, really. We have to make the most of every opportunity we have, because we know how dangerous they are,” Cordoba told El Heraldo. 

"We are very focused on not allowing these situations (set plays) to happen. We know how strong they are and we will also be strong so as not to give them too much of an advantage."