Jimmy Baikovicius- Flickr
James Rodriguez is a 22 year old star in the making; this guy showcases rare talent and still manages to involve his team mates. “Act like you’ve been here before!”, is the sentiment James Rodriquez has shown the last 3 FIFA World Cup games. With the score dead locked up at 1-1 in the 54th minute for the Colombia vs Japan game, Rodriguez put his team in position to win by setting his defenders up like a professional bowler facing a 7- 10 split. It’s no contest! James Rodriguez plain and simple, makes things happen.
James sold the shot fake with two defenders honing in on him, then with a quick flip of his foot dishes it to Jackson Martinez for the goal. Martinez had not scored for Colombia since October of 2009. This is just a microcosm of what the Cúcuta Native brings to the table. With a great shot at his feet, James knew Jackson would have the perfect opportunity. From that exact moment, it was evident Rodriguez was growing as a star right before our eyes.
James and Jackson provided an encore in the 81st minute. A brilliant long pass from James to Jackson in the center of the pitch paid off with a goal. Jackson receives the pass in the penalty box took his time and then set himself for the shot. A player who had not scored a goal since 2009 now took his time to set up and put the game out of reach for good. Why? Confidence in himself and his team is the reason; all as a result from James Rodriguez’s eagerness to involve Jackson.
With the score 3-1 Colombia completely dominating James was not done yet. In the 89th minute, Rodriguez with his best Allen Iverson impersonation broke ankles. Receiving a pass from his midfielder, James found himself against one defender and a goalie. James juked left, then right with a goalie steam rolling in his direction, he simply flips the ball into the back of the net. All the defender could do was spin around, while the goalie sees a floating shot over his head. Colombia is now firing on all cylinders. An epic battle waits Saturday against Uruguay.
Speaking of Uruguay; they beat Italy 1-0 with a shoulder biting incident by Luis Suarez to earn the right to face Colombia. Doing his best Mike Tyson impersonation for the third time since 2010, Luis Suarez may be suspend by FIFA. Uruguay lost the game when Luis Suarez was on the bench for the first game of group play. Losing a proven striker and game changer like Luis Suarez will be a huge factor for Saturday’s match.
One thing is clear, Colombia will have its game changer locked and loaded in James Rodriguez for Saturday’s match against Uruguay. A confidence and swagger is what James Rodriguez brings to the table. I predict a close game up until the 6oth minute or so, when James will be the difference maker like he has done so many times in this World Cup.
Luis Valdes is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook.
