WORLD CUP: James provides the Rodriguez show as Colombia progress

ROUND OF 16

COLOMBIA 2-0 URUGUAY

SATURDAY 28TH JUNE – RIO DE JANEIRO

If you had thought that James Rodriguez had arrived in the first three games, tonight’s showing in Colombia’s 2-0 win over a Luis Suarez-less Uruguay, proved that the young midfielder from Monaco has arrived on the world scene.

After the game tonight, James Rodriguez now has five goals in four games, as well as four assists and must be the leading contender for the player of the tournament award

Los Cafeteros and the Uruguayans were feeling each other out for the first 25 minutes before Jose Pekerman’s side picked their tempo up and pressed for the opener. The first goal came just before the half-hour mark and is a contender for goal of the tournament. The ball fell to James Rodriguez who controlled with his chest on the edge of the box, and with his second touch volleyed it in off the bar on his weaker foot, giving Fernando Muslera absolutely no hope. Goal of the tournament so far.

Uruguay tried to make an instant reply, and played positively as they threatened and won a set-piece on the edge of the area, however, PSG’s Edinson Cavani blasted a free-kick over the bar. Moments later, Alvaro Gonzalez went close with a great volleyed effort just inside the area and forced a brilliant save from David Ospina.

Colombia when into half time the far superior side and Uruguay had everything to do. After the interval, the Colombians emerged in the same vein and it only took five minutes for them to extend their lead.

West Ham defender Pablo Armero gathered the ball on the left, crossed goalward to the far post, when he could have easily gone goal, Juan Cuadrado unselfishly sent a downward header back across the box for Rodriguez to drive home from close range.

Oscar Tabarez’s urged his men to get back in the game with Maximiliano Pereira and Edinson Cavani both forcing further good saves from Ospina but to no avail.

So, Colombia move on to face the Brazilians next week, as Uruguay can now join Luis Suarez in watching the World Cup from home.

TEAMS

COLOMBIA: Ospina, Zuniga, Zapata, Yepes, Armero, Aguilar, Sanchez Moreno, Cuadrado (Guarin 81), Rodriguez (Ramos 85), Martinez, Gutierrez (Mejia 68).

GOALS: Rodriguez 28 & 50.

BOOKINGS: Armero.

URUGUAY: Muslera, Maxi Pereira, Gimenez, Godin, Caceres, Pereira (Ramirez 53), Gonzalez (Hernandez 67), Arevalo Rios, Rodriguez, Cavani, Forlan (Stuani 53).

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Giminez, Lugano.