Rodriguez’s goal will forever be remembered as one of the greats of the competition, though some may argue his Colombian namesake has bettered his effort. While Uruguay were embroiled in an off-pitch battle over the length of Luis Suarez’s ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini, James Rodriguez was inspiring Los Cafeteros to victory against their South American counterparts.The 22-year-old scored arguably the goal of Brazil 2014 so far, cushioning Abel Aguilar’s header with his back to goal before turning and unleashing past Fernando Muslera
in one swift move without the ball hitting the deck. It was a strike of
the highest technical quality and one that had supporters applauding
the ability of the Monaco star. Five minutes after the interval,
Rodriguez netted his and Colombia’s second to confirm their place in the
next round of the World Cup.After the last-16 stage, Rodriguez (5) has scored the most goals at the World Cup, while only Lionel Messi
(9.25) and Arjen Robben (8.91) better his WhoScored.com rating (8.62).
Those believing him to be one of the stars of the tournament so far would be justified in their assumption. The young creator has been vital to Colombia’s path to the quarter-final of the tournament, where they face hosts Brazil, all this despite 'star man' Falcao’s injury ruling him out of the competition.However, perhaps his greatest asset for Colombia this summer is his ability to ghost into the area and find a pocket of space to hurt the opposition. While Rodriguez boasts a statistically calculated strength of 'long shots', 4 of his 5 goals have been scored in the penalty area. The second goal against Uruguay is a perfect example of this.Coming up against Brazil on Friday will prove to be a true test of the mettle of this exciting Colombia side. The hosts are without key man Luiz Gustavo for the clash in Fortaleza due to suspension, so the unfamiliar pairing of Paulinho and Fernandinho are likely to anchor the midfield. Accordingly, Rodriguez is expected once more to be the creator-in-chief for Colombia as they look to progress to the semi-finals. The recent performances of the young Monaco ace suggest he can send Brazil packing and maintain his fine run of form that has won him the adulation of every football fan this summer.
Those believing him to be one of the stars of the tournament so far would be justified in their assumption. The young creator has been vital to Colombia’s path to the quarter-final of the tournament, where they face hosts Brazil, all this despite 'star man' Falcao’s injury ruling him out of the competition.However, perhaps his greatest asset for Colombia this summer is his ability to ghost into the area and find a pocket of space to hurt the opposition. While Rodriguez boasts a statistically calculated strength of 'long shots', 4 of his 5 goals have been scored in the penalty area. The second goal against Uruguay is a perfect example of this.Coming up against Brazil on Friday will prove to be a true test of the mettle of this exciting Colombia side. The hosts are without key man Luiz Gustavo for the clash in Fortaleza due to suspension, so the unfamiliar pairing of Paulinho and Fernandinho are likely to anchor the midfield. Accordingly, Rodriguez is expected once more to be the creator-in-chief for Colombia as they look to progress to the semi-finals. The recent performances of the young Monaco ace suggest he can send Brazil packing and maintain his fine run of form that has won him the adulation of every football fan this summer.
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