Real Madrid loanee James Rodriguez shines for Colombia

Real Madrid loanee to Bayern Munich James Rodriguez had a stellar performance against Poland in round two of the group stage. Here’s a look at another fine display by the Colombian.

Colombia played their second match of the 2018 World Cup group stage against Poland. La Tricolor had a masterful performance against their Polish counterparts scoring three beautiful goals. The Madrid loanee helped his team to three points providing two assists. Radamel Falcao also scored his first goal in a World Cup.

Colombia picked up three crucial points in the second round keeping their hopes of advancement alive. An all-around strong outing by the Colombians ensured that the side would not head home early.

Match Recap

Colombia came alive against Poland, a performance that was reminiscent of what was seen in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Possession was slightly in Colombia’s favor as they had the ball 55% of the time. While the possessions stats were fairly close Colombia dominated in most of the other categories.

James’ side had nearly 100 passes more than Poland and twice as many crosses. As a result of the excellent ball movement, they outshot their opponents 13-9. Both teams played their attacks through their respective right side of the pitch with Poland sitting deeper on average having to defend more of the play.

Both teams would make use of all their of their options to substitute but Poland would be the only side to be shown a yellow card.  Colombia would be on the front foot from the start of the first half, wheeling and dealing through Poland’s defense. For most of the match, Poland struggled to keep up and score a goal of their own.

The first goal would come just five minutes before the half-time whistle, a great reward for the Colombians hard work. The second-half would be much busier than the earlier stanza, with both yellow-cards being shown, two goals and five substitutions.

In the 70th-minute Radamel Falcao would score his first ever goal in a World Cup, quite a surprising stat given his prowess in front of the net. Fifteen minutes later Juan Cuadrado would score the final goal of the game from a quick counter.

Colombia now sits third in their group a point behind both Senegal and Japan who are tied with four points. They will play their final match of the group stage on June 28 against Senegal.

James Rodriguez Performance

James hasn’t gone on a goal-scoring rampage like in Brasil four years ago but his vision and playmaking ability has truly matured. Aging like fine wine, the number 10 embodies every essence of the number on his back.

His first assist came with sniper-like accuracy under pressure and in his opponents’ box. James curled the ball up and over the defense with the right height for defensive teammate Yerra Mina to head home the first goal.

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The final goal would also come from an assist by James himself. After soaking up the pressure from a desperate Poland looking to get back into the game Colombia broke free. The goal was a result of James’ resilience near the touchline and incredible vision despite being double teamed.

Rodriguez whipped the ball around three Polish defenders and into stride for the oncoming Juan Cuadrado. Juan picked up the ball at full pace to go one-on-one with the keeper, calmly slotting the third goal home.

Man of the Match

James Rodriguez being awarded the MOTM award shouldn’t be a surprise, the midfielder worked tirelessly to help his team stay in the competition. The Colombian had the highest number of touches on his team with 87, making 68 passes with 88% pass accuracy.

Along with a great passing ability on display James showcased his long-range accuracy with five of his six longballs hitting reaching its destination. He also had four dribbles and chipped in defensively making two tackles.

James was clearly proud of his teammates and himself, understandably so of course. After the game, the attacker took to Twitter to post “We’re still together boys”.

If Colombia makes it deep into the competition it will once again be because of this young man’s superb talent. This game just goes to show you why Real Madrid opening up the cheque book four years ago. With a new manager now in Madrid, it will be interesting if Julen takes time to meet with James and discuss the possibility of a return.

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