Photo: James Rodriguez celebrates his second goal agaisnt Uruguay, he is now the leading goal scorer in the World Cup with 5 goals. (Getty Images)
Colombia’s 22 year old Monaco playmaker James Rodriguez produced another master class at the World Cup where he scored twice to give Colombia a big 2-0 victory over Copa America Champions Uruguay. The 5ft 11in left footed genius scored perhaps the best goal of the tournament in the first half then finished off an excellent team move to book a date for Los Cafeteros with Brazil in the quarter-finals.
Jose Pekerman’s men were once again outstanding as they settled early in their passing game. They were first to every ball and were excellent in possession as they stamped their authority on proceedings quite early. Juan Cuadrado was once again in great form and linked up well with Juan Zuniga down the right for Colombia. The Napoli full back tested Fernando Muslera in Uruguay’s goal on 11 minutes but the Galatasaray man made it look easy. Colombia never gave the Uruguayans time on the ball as they pressed the ball high up the pitch when they lost it.
James Rodriguez opened the scoring on 28 minutes when he chested down Abel Aguilar’s headed pass, swiveled and then let fly and his effort went into the back of the net, just brushing the crossbar on its way in. It was a breath-taking goal with the young man showing excellent awareness, great technique and an exquisite touch.
In the 36th minute Edinson Cavani’s effort from the free kick went just over the bar and he knew he must step up and help his camp. David Ospina had to be sharp on 40 minutes when Alvaro Gonzales tested him with a shot from just outside the area through a crowd of players. Colombia able to keep their concentration to end the first half 1-0 against Uruguay who were reeling from the suspension of Luis Suarez.
Los Cafeteros started the second half brighter and with a lot more purpose and were rewarded just 5 minutes after the restart. Cuadrado started the move down the right and he passed to Teofilo Gutierrez who turned and played the ball to the feet of Jackson Martinez. He spotted Pablo Armero’s run down the left and played it in the path of the left back. He then whipped a cross to the far post where Cuadrado head the ball back across goal for Rodriguez to slot home with his right foot. The game was over at this point for Uruguay because Colombia has a mean defense and would not allow anything pass them.
Ospina showed his class again on 66 minutes when Cristian Rodriguez got by four players but was denied by the Nice goalkeeper. Maxi Pereira had a great chance to pull one back on 81 minutes but again Ospina spread himself making it difficult to get the ball pass him. Cavani also tried to out-smart Ospina when he tried to score at the front post but again he was denied.
The game ended with another convincing win for Colombia who looks the most organized team and understand what is expected when they go on the pitch. They can lift the tempo of the game or even slow it down at will and with James Rodriguez in such great form then Brazil should be looking over their shoulders eagerly and very anxiously. The Colombians have been very impressive and can make it even further if they can repeat this performance.
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