GLENDALE, Arizona — Large tournaments at all times throw out a number of surprises. Unheralded groups come to the fore. Beforehand unknown gamers make their mark. Maybe an growing older veteran can idiot Father Time as soon as extra and summon up one final hurrah.
Within the 2024 Copa America, the continued renaissance of Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez qualifies as a marvel. His one-goal, two help efficiency on Saturday catapulted his nation previous Panama 5-0 and into the Copa América semifinals.
In some respects, that Rodriguez is lighting up a world event should not be information. This can be a man who burst onto the scene on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a tournament-high six objectives, main the Cafeteros to the quarterfinals. His chest-trap-and-volley to attain the opening purpose towards Uruguay within the Spherical of 16 stays etched within the reminiscence. The person’s expertise is clear.
However there’s one other facet to Rodriguez’s performances on this event that has been confounding. Ever since that breakout efficiency, Rodriguez’s membership profession has been in a downward spiral. His transfer to Actual Madrid noticed a gentle erosion in enjoying time. The identical was true throughout a two-year spell with Bayern Munich. After which step-by-step, he appeared to transferring down the rungs of the membership recreation — Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, and now São Paulo in Brazil — the place he is performed however 22 video games over the previous yr, and already appears surplus to necessities.
But one thing occurs when Rodriguez pulls on a Colombia shirt. He was already sitting on three assists on this event when he set to work towards the Canaleros, delivering an inch-perfect supply from a nook for defender Jhon Córdoba to nod residence within the eighth minute. Rodriguez discovered the web himself from a Fifteenth-minute penalty after Colombia midfielder Jhon Arias was upended by Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera.
Rodriguez’s most impressed second got here simply 4 minutes earlier than halftime. Noticing that the Panamanian protection was standing flat-footed, he took a fast free kick excessive of the protection that discovered Luis Díaz within the clear, and the Liverpool man then delivered an outstanding lofted end 4 yards exterior the penalty space to increase Colombia’s lead. When Rodriguez exited the match within the 73rd minute, it was to a standing ovation, with the midfielder applauding the followers again.
“I at all times attempt to assist my teammates in order that they will play effectively and I congratulate them for enjoying effectively,” Rodriguez mentioned through a translator. He added, “We’re all going via a superb second. We’re doing objectives from set items, from penalties and deliberate performs which is an effective factor.”
When requested if he is been the very best participant on the Copa América, Rodriguez mentioned, “There’s nonetheless a number of time. There’s two video games left with what we wish to obtain and all I wish to do is win, so there’s lots left.”
There’s a temptation to easily write off Rodriguez’s efficiency as coming towards an overmatched opponent. It was in spite of everything Colombia’s largest margin of victory ever in a Copa América match. However strive telling that to the U.S. males’s nationwide staff, who fell to Panama within the group stage. Whereas the expertise hole between the 2 groups on today was clear, a staff with that edge continues to be obligated to make use of it to its full benefit, and that is what Rodriguez and the remainder of his teammates did.
It nonetheless begs the query as to why Rodriguez can excel for his nation however not for his membership. For Colombia supervisor Nestor Lorenzo, there is no thriller as to why Rodriguez is hitting prime kind on this event.
“He is a superb participant,” Lorenzo mentioned merely about Rodriguez. “He is a participant that’s glad inside the sphere. The coach simply sees easy methods to put him [on the field so he can] take pleasure in.”
It actually helps that Rodriguez has been given largely a free function within the staff, permitting him to maneuver aspect to aspect, and even deep into midfield to seek out house. Extra importantly, his teammates appear loads keen to work for him. That sort of steadiness within the aspect — of not simply capacity, however of ego and accountability — is one thing that Lorenzo appreciates. He senses it on this staff too.
“Soccer is an 11-player recreation and typically 10 need to play for that one participant they usually need to be keen to do this,” he mentioned. “However every of these 11 gamers need to play for his or her teammates, for the opposite 10. And that’s what this staff is exhibiting, nice angle and giving their all for his or her teammates. That has been obvious from minute one.”
There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned about discovering calmness in an surroundings totally different from what is going on with Rodriguez’s membership. He actually is not the primary participant to make use of a nationwide staff as a refuge. However Lorenzo was fast to deflect credit score for the psychological state of Rodriguez and his teammates.
“I would not know easy methods to measure that with the teaching workers,” he mentioned in reference to the staff’s morale, with the assistance of a translator. “We’re constantly [emphasizing] how necessary it is to play in your nationwide staff, to put on your jersey. And I feel it is one thing to take to coronary heart that makes you proud.
“That’s on the aspect of the gamers. I feel we do not have a number of affect in that sense. We are able to present some management, and if the gamers are dedicated on this approach, it’s as a result of they love their jersey and they’re very glad being right here.”
Whatever the how or the why, that Rodriguez is discovering pleasure on the sphere once more is evident, and his efficiency on Saturday put him in some choose firm. He is now tied with Lionel Messi for probably the most assists in a single Copa América since 2011 (a interval that spans 5 tournaments) with 5.
His eight assists over that interval are second solely to Messi’s 17. Rodríguez’s 10 purpose contributions (three objectives, seven assists) during the last 5 Copa América tournaments tie Ángel Di María, Alexis Sánchez and Paolo Guerrero for the third-most purpose contributions in that span behind Eduardo Vargas’ 14 and Messi’s 25.
Now Colombia finds itself within the semifinals of the Copa América for the third time within the final 4 editions. However it’s at this stage that the Cafeteros often stumble. Two early objectives conceded within the semifinals towards Chile eradicated Colombia again in 2016, when Lorenzo simply so occurred to be an assistant coach on Colombia’s workers. A penalty shootout defeat to Argentina 5 years later triggered much more angst. It has additionally been 23 lengthy years since Colombia claimed its solely Copa América, a event that it hosted.
It’s that historical past, which explains why Rodriguez is taking nothing with no consideration. “We’re doing all our greatest so we are able to win. We’ve the toughest matches left,” mentioned.
If Rodriguez can sustain his present kind, these challenges will turn out to be lots simpler.
GLENDALE, Arizona — Large tournaments at all times throw out a number of surprises. Unheralded groups come to the fore. Beforehand unknown gamers make their mark. Maybe an growing older veteran can idiot Father Time as soon as extra and summon up one final hurrah.
Within the 2024 Copa America, the continued renaissance of Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez qualifies as a marvel. His one-goal, two help efficiency on Saturday catapulted his nation previous Panama 5-0 and into the Copa América semifinals.
In some respects, that Rodriguez is lighting up a world event should not be information. This can be a man who burst onto the scene on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a tournament-high six objectives, main the Cafeteros to the quarterfinals. His chest-trap-and-volley to attain the opening purpose towards Uruguay within the Spherical of 16 stays etched within the reminiscence. The person’s expertise is clear.
However there’s one other facet to Rodriguez’s performances on this event that has been confounding. Ever since that breakout efficiency, Rodriguez’s membership profession has been in a downward spiral. His transfer to Actual Madrid noticed a gentle erosion in enjoying time. The identical was true throughout a two-year spell with Bayern Munich. After which step-by-step, he appeared to transferring down the rungs of the membership recreation — Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, and now São Paulo in Brazil — the place he is performed however 22 video games over the previous yr, and already appears surplus to necessities.
But one thing occurs when Rodriguez pulls on a Colombia shirt. He was already sitting on three assists on this event when he set to work towards the Canaleros, delivering an inch-perfect supply from a nook for defender Jhon Córdoba to nod residence within the eighth minute. Rodriguez discovered the web himself from a Fifteenth-minute penalty after Colombia midfielder Jhon Arias was upended by Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera.
Rodriguez’s most impressed second got here simply 4 minutes earlier than halftime. Noticing that the Panamanian protection was standing flat-footed, he took a fast free kick excessive of the protection that discovered Luis Díaz within the clear, and the Liverpool man then delivered an outstanding lofted end 4 yards exterior the penalty space to increase Colombia’s lead. When Rodriguez exited the match within the 73rd minute, it was to a standing ovation, with the midfielder applauding the followers again.
“I at all times attempt to assist my teammates in order that they will play effectively and I congratulate them for enjoying effectively,” Rodriguez mentioned through a translator. He added, “We’re all going via a superb second. We’re doing objectives from set items, from penalties and deliberate performs which is an effective factor.”
When requested if he is been the very best participant on the Copa América, Rodriguez mentioned, “There’s nonetheless a number of time. There’s two video games left with what we wish to obtain and all I wish to do is win, so there’s lots left.”
There’s a temptation to easily write off Rodriguez’s efficiency as coming towards an overmatched opponent. It was in spite of everything Colombia’s largest margin of victory ever in a Copa América match. However strive telling that to the U.S. males’s nationwide staff, who fell to Panama within the group stage. Whereas the expertise hole between the 2 groups on today was clear, a staff with that edge continues to be obligated to make use of it to its full benefit, and that is what Rodriguez and the remainder of his teammates did.
It nonetheless begs the query as to why Rodriguez can excel for his nation however not for his membership. For Colombia supervisor Nestor Lorenzo, there is no thriller as to why Rodriguez is hitting prime kind on this event.
“He is a superb participant,” Lorenzo mentioned merely about Rodriguez. “He is a participant that’s glad inside the sphere. The coach simply sees easy methods to put him [on the field so he can] take pleasure in.”
It actually helps that Rodriguez has been given largely a free function within the staff, permitting him to maneuver aspect to aspect, and even deep into midfield to seek out house. Extra importantly, his teammates appear loads keen to work for him. That sort of steadiness within the aspect — of not simply capacity, however of ego and accountability — is one thing that Lorenzo appreciates. He senses it on this staff too.
“Soccer is an 11-player recreation and typically 10 need to play for that one participant they usually need to be keen to do this,” he mentioned. “However every of these 11 gamers need to play for his or her teammates, for the opposite 10. And that’s what this staff is exhibiting, nice angle and giving their all for his or her teammates. That has been obvious from minute one.”
There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned about discovering calmness in an surroundings totally different from what is going on with Rodriguez’s membership. He actually is not the primary participant to make use of a nationwide staff as a refuge. However Lorenzo was fast to deflect credit score for the psychological state of Rodriguez and his teammates.
“I would not know easy methods to measure that with the teaching workers,” he mentioned in reference to the staff’s morale, with the assistance of a translator. “We’re constantly [emphasizing] how necessary it is to play in your nationwide staff, to put on your jersey. And I feel it is one thing to take to coronary heart that makes you proud.
“That’s on the aspect of the gamers. I feel we do not have a number of affect in that sense. We are able to present some management, and if the gamers are dedicated on this approach, it’s as a result of they love their jersey and they’re very glad being right here.”
Whatever the how or the why, that Rodriguez is discovering pleasure on the sphere once more is evident, and his efficiency on Saturday put him in some choose firm. He is now tied with Lionel Messi for probably the most assists in a single Copa América since 2011 (a interval that spans 5 tournaments) with 5.
His eight assists over that interval are second solely to Messi’s 17. Rodríguez’s 10 purpose contributions (three objectives, seven assists) during the last 5 Copa América tournaments tie Ángel Di María, Alexis Sánchez and Paolo Guerrero for the third-most purpose contributions in that span behind Eduardo Vargas’ 14 and Messi’s 25.
Now Colombia finds itself within the semifinals of the Copa América for the third time within the final 4 editions. However it’s at this stage that the Cafeteros often stumble. Two early objectives conceded within the semifinals towards Chile eradicated Colombia again in 2016, when Lorenzo simply so occurred to be an assistant coach on Colombia’s workers. A penalty shootout defeat to Argentina 5 years later triggered much more angst. It has additionally been 23 lengthy years since Colombia claimed its solely Copa América, a event that it hosted.
It’s that historical past, which explains why Rodriguez is taking nothing with no consideration. “We’re doing all our greatest so we are able to win. We’ve the toughest matches left,” mentioned.
If Rodriguez can sustain his present kind, these challenges will turn out to be lots simpler.
GLENDALE, Arizona — Large tournaments at all times throw out a number of surprises. Unheralded groups come to the fore. Beforehand unknown gamers make their mark. Maybe an growing older veteran can idiot Father Time as soon as extra and summon up one final hurrah.
Within the 2024 Copa America, the continued renaissance of Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez qualifies as a marvel. His one-goal, two help efficiency on Saturday catapulted his nation previous Panama 5-0 and into the Copa América semifinals.
In some respects, that Rodriguez is lighting up a world event should not be information. This can be a man who burst onto the scene on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a tournament-high six objectives, main the Cafeteros to the quarterfinals. His chest-trap-and-volley to attain the opening purpose towards Uruguay within the Spherical of 16 stays etched within the reminiscence. The person’s expertise is clear.
However there’s one other facet to Rodriguez’s performances on this event that has been confounding. Ever since that breakout efficiency, Rodriguez’s membership profession has been in a downward spiral. His transfer to Actual Madrid noticed a gentle erosion in enjoying time. The identical was true throughout a two-year spell with Bayern Munich. After which step-by-step, he appeared to transferring down the rungs of the membership recreation — Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, and now São Paulo in Brazil — the place he is performed however 22 video games over the previous yr, and already appears surplus to necessities.
But one thing occurs when Rodriguez pulls on a Colombia shirt. He was already sitting on three assists on this event when he set to work towards the Canaleros, delivering an inch-perfect supply from a nook for defender Jhon Córdoba to nod residence within the eighth minute. Rodriguez discovered the web himself from a Fifteenth-minute penalty after Colombia midfielder Jhon Arias was upended by Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera.
Rodriguez’s most impressed second got here simply 4 minutes earlier than halftime. Noticing that the Panamanian protection was standing flat-footed, he took a fast free kick excessive of the protection that discovered Luis Díaz within the clear, and the Liverpool man then delivered an outstanding lofted end 4 yards exterior the penalty space to increase Colombia’s lead. When Rodriguez exited the match within the 73rd minute, it was to a standing ovation, with the midfielder applauding the followers again.
“I at all times attempt to assist my teammates in order that they will play effectively and I congratulate them for enjoying effectively,” Rodriguez mentioned through a translator. He added, “We’re all going via a superb second. We’re doing objectives from set items, from penalties and deliberate performs which is an effective factor.”
When requested if he is been the very best participant on the Copa América, Rodriguez mentioned, “There’s nonetheless a number of time. There’s two video games left with what we wish to obtain and all I wish to do is win, so there’s lots left.”
There’s a temptation to easily write off Rodriguez’s efficiency as coming towards an overmatched opponent. It was in spite of everything Colombia’s largest margin of victory ever in a Copa América match. However strive telling that to the U.S. males’s nationwide staff, who fell to Panama within the group stage. Whereas the expertise hole between the 2 groups on today was clear, a staff with that edge continues to be obligated to make use of it to its full benefit, and that is what Rodriguez and the remainder of his teammates did.
It nonetheless begs the query as to why Rodriguez can excel for his nation however not for his membership. For Colombia supervisor Nestor Lorenzo, there is no thriller as to why Rodriguez is hitting prime kind on this event.
“He is a superb participant,” Lorenzo mentioned merely about Rodriguez. “He is a participant that’s glad inside the sphere. The coach simply sees easy methods to put him [on the field so he can] take pleasure in.”
It actually helps that Rodriguez has been given largely a free function within the staff, permitting him to maneuver aspect to aspect, and even deep into midfield to seek out house. Extra importantly, his teammates appear loads keen to work for him. That sort of steadiness within the aspect — of not simply capacity, however of ego and accountability — is one thing that Lorenzo appreciates. He senses it on this staff too.
“Soccer is an 11-player recreation and typically 10 need to play for that one participant they usually need to be keen to do this,” he mentioned. “However every of these 11 gamers need to play for his or her teammates, for the opposite 10. And that’s what this staff is exhibiting, nice angle and giving their all for his or her teammates. That has been obvious from minute one.”
There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned about discovering calmness in an surroundings totally different from what is going on with Rodriguez’s membership. He actually is not the primary participant to make use of a nationwide staff as a refuge. However Lorenzo was fast to deflect credit score for the psychological state of Rodriguez and his teammates.
“I would not know easy methods to measure that with the teaching workers,” he mentioned in reference to the staff’s morale, with the assistance of a translator. “We’re constantly [emphasizing] how necessary it is to play in your nationwide staff, to put on your jersey. And I feel it is one thing to take to coronary heart that makes you proud.
“That’s on the aspect of the gamers. I feel we do not have a number of affect in that sense. We are able to present some management, and if the gamers are dedicated on this approach, it’s as a result of they love their jersey and they’re very glad being right here.”
Whatever the how or the why, that Rodriguez is discovering pleasure on the sphere once more is evident, and his efficiency on Saturday put him in some choose firm. He is now tied with Lionel Messi for probably the most assists in a single Copa América since 2011 (a interval that spans 5 tournaments) with 5.
His eight assists over that interval are second solely to Messi’s 17. Rodríguez’s 10 purpose contributions (three objectives, seven assists) during the last 5 Copa América tournaments tie Ángel Di María, Alexis Sánchez and Paolo Guerrero for the third-most purpose contributions in that span behind Eduardo Vargas’ 14 and Messi’s 25.
Now Colombia finds itself within the semifinals of the Copa América for the third time within the final 4 editions. However it’s at this stage that the Cafeteros often stumble. Two early objectives conceded within the semifinals towards Chile eradicated Colombia again in 2016, when Lorenzo simply so occurred to be an assistant coach on Colombia’s workers. A penalty shootout defeat to Argentina 5 years later triggered much more angst. It has additionally been 23 lengthy years since Colombia claimed its solely Copa América, a event that it hosted.
It’s that historical past, which explains why Rodriguez is taking nothing with no consideration. “We’re doing all our greatest so we are able to win. We’ve the toughest matches left,” mentioned.
If Rodriguez can sustain his present kind, these challenges will turn out to be lots simpler.
GLENDALE, Arizona — Large tournaments at all times throw out a number of surprises. Unheralded groups come to the fore. Beforehand unknown gamers make their mark. Maybe an growing older veteran can idiot Father Time as soon as extra and summon up one final hurrah.
Within the 2024 Copa America, the continued renaissance of Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez qualifies as a marvel. His one-goal, two help efficiency on Saturday catapulted his nation previous Panama 5-0 and into the Copa América semifinals.
In some respects, that Rodriguez is lighting up a world event should not be information. This can be a man who burst onto the scene on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a tournament-high six objectives, main the Cafeteros to the quarterfinals. His chest-trap-and-volley to attain the opening purpose towards Uruguay within the Spherical of 16 stays etched within the reminiscence. The person’s expertise is clear.
However there’s one other facet to Rodriguez’s performances on this event that has been confounding. Ever since that breakout efficiency, Rodriguez’s membership profession has been in a downward spiral. His transfer to Actual Madrid noticed a gentle erosion in enjoying time. The identical was true throughout a two-year spell with Bayern Munich. After which step-by-step, he appeared to transferring down the rungs of the membership recreation — Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, and now São Paulo in Brazil — the place he is performed however 22 video games over the previous yr, and already appears surplus to necessities.
But one thing occurs when Rodriguez pulls on a Colombia shirt. He was already sitting on three assists on this event when he set to work towards the Canaleros, delivering an inch-perfect supply from a nook for defender Jhon Córdoba to nod residence within the eighth minute. Rodriguez discovered the web himself from a Fifteenth-minute penalty after Colombia midfielder Jhon Arias was upended by Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera.
Rodriguez’s most impressed second got here simply 4 minutes earlier than halftime. Noticing that the Panamanian protection was standing flat-footed, he took a fast free kick excessive of the protection that discovered Luis Díaz within the clear, and the Liverpool man then delivered an outstanding lofted end 4 yards exterior the penalty space to increase Colombia’s lead. When Rodriguez exited the match within the 73rd minute, it was to a standing ovation, with the midfielder applauding the followers again.
“I at all times attempt to assist my teammates in order that they will play effectively and I congratulate them for enjoying effectively,” Rodriguez mentioned through a translator. He added, “We’re all going via a superb second. We’re doing objectives from set items, from penalties and deliberate performs which is an effective factor.”
When requested if he is been the very best participant on the Copa América, Rodriguez mentioned, “There’s nonetheless a number of time. There’s two video games left with what we wish to obtain and all I wish to do is win, so there’s lots left.”
There’s a temptation to easily write off Rodriguez’s efficiency as coming towards an overmatched opponent. It was in spite of everything Colombia’s largest margin of victory ever in a Copa América match. However strive telling that to the U.S. males’s nationwide staff, who fell to Panama within the group stage. Whereas the expertise hole between the 2 groups on today was clear, a staff with that edge continues to be obligated to make use of it to its full benefit, and that is what Rodriguez and the remainder of his teammates did.
It nonetheless begs the query as to why Rodriguez can excel for his nation however not for his membership. For Colombia supervisor Nestor Lorenzo, there is no thriller as to why Rodriguez is hitting prime kind on this event.
“He is a superb participant,” Lorenzo mentioned merely about Rodriguez. “He is a participant that’s glad inside the sphere. The coach simply sees easy methods to put him [on the field so he can] take pleasure in.”
It actually helps that Rodriguez has been given largely a free function within the staff, permitting him to maneuver aspect to aspect, and even deep into midfield to seek out house. Extra importantly, his teammates appear loads keen to work for him. That sort of steadiness within the aspect — of not simply capacity, however of ego and accountability — is one thing that Lorenzo appreciates. He senses it on this staff too.
“Soccer is an 11-player recreation and typically 10 need to play for that one participant they usually need to be keen to do this,” he mentioned. “However every of these 11 gamers need to play for his or her teammates, for the opposite 10. And that’s what this staff is exhibiting, nice angle and giving their all for his or her teammates. That has been obvious from minute one.”
There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned about discovering calmness in an surroundings totally different from what is going on with Rodriguez’s membership. He actually is not the primary participant to make use of a nationwide staff as a refuge. However Lorenzo was fast to deflect credit score for the psychological state of Rodriguez and his teammates.
“I would not know easy methods to measure that with the teaching workers,” he mentioned in reference to the staff’s morale, with the assistance of a translator. “We’re constantly [emphasizing] how necessary it is to play in your nationwide staff, to put on your jersey. And I feel it is one thing to take to coronary heart that makes you proud.
“That’s on the aspect of the gamers. I feel we do not have a number of affect in that sense. We are able to present some management, and if the gamers are dedicated on this approach, it’s as a result of they love their jersey and they’re very glad being right here.”
Whatever the how or the why, that Rodriguez is discovering pleasure on the sphere once more is evident, and his efficiency on Saturday put him in some choose firm. He is now tied with Lionel Messi for probably the most assists in a single Copa América since 2011 (a interval that spans 5 tournaments) with 5.
His eight assists over that interval are second solely to Messi’s 17. Rodríguez’s 10 purpose contributions (three objectives, seven assists) during the last 5 Copa América tournaments tie Ángel Di María, Alexis Sánchez and Paolo Guerrero for the third-most purpose contributions in that span behind Eduardo Vargas’ 14 and Messi’s 25.
Now Colombia finds itself within the semifinals of the Copa América for the third time within the final 4 editions. However it’s at this stage that the Cafeteros often stumble. Two early objectives conceded within the semifinals towards Chile eradicated Colombia again in 2016, when Lorenzo simply so occurred to be an assistant coach on Colombia’s workers. A penalty shootout defeat to Argentina 5 years later triggered much more angst. It has additionally been 23 lengthy years since Colombia claimed its solely Copa América, a event that it hosted.
It’s that historical past, which explains why Rodriguez is taking nothing with no consideration. “We’re doing all our greatest so we are able to win. We’ve the toughest matches left,” mentioned.
If Rodriguez can sustain his present kind, these challenges will turn out to be lots simpler.
GLENDALE, Arizona — Large tournaments at all times throw out a number of surprises. Unheralded groups come to the fore. Beforehand unknown gamers make their mark. Maybe an growing older veteran can idiot Father Time as soon as extra and summon up one final hurrah.
Within the 2024 Copa America, the continued renaissance of Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez qualifies as a marvel. His one-goal, two help efficiency on Saturday catapulted his nation previous Panama 5-0 and into the Copa América semifinals.
In some respects, that Rodriguez is lighting up a world event should not be information. This can be a man who burst onto the scene on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a tournament-high six objectives, main the Cafeteros to the quarterfinals. His chest-trap-and-volley to attain the opening purpose towards Uruguay within the Spherical of 16 stays etched within the reminiscence. The person’s expertise is clear.
However there’s one other facet to Rodriguez’s performances on this event that has been confounding. Ever since that breakout efficiency, Rodriguez’s membership profession has been in a downward spiral. His transfer to Actual Madrid noticed a gentle erosion in enjoying time. The identical was true throughout a two-year spell with Bayern Munich. After which step-by-step, he appeared to transferring down the rungs of the membership recreation — Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, and now São Paulo in Brazil — the place he is performed however 22 video games over the previous yr, and already appears surplus to necessities.
But one thing occurs when Rodriguez pulls on a Colombia shirt. He was already sitting on three assists on this event when he set to work towards the Canaleros, delivering an inch-perfect supply from a nook for defender Jhon Córdoba to nod residence within the eighth minute. Rodriguez discovered the web himself from a Fifteenth-minute penalty after Colombia midfielder Jhon Arias was upended by Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera.
Rodriguez’s most impressed second got here simply 4 minutes earlier than halftime. Noticing that the Panamanian protection was standing flat-footed, he took a fast free kick excessive of the protection that discovered Luis Díaz within the clear, and the Liverpool man then delivered an outstanding lofted end 4 yards exterior the penalty space to increase Colombia’s lead. When Rodriguez exited the match within the 73rd minute, it was to a standing ovation, with the midfielder applauding the followers again.
“I at all times attempt to assist my teammates in order that they will play effectively and I congratulate them for enjoying effectively,” Rodriguez mentioned through a translator. He added, “We’re all going via a superb second. We’re doing objectives from set items, from penalties and deliberate performs which is an effective factor.”
When requested if he is been the very best participant on the Copa América, Rodriguez mentioned, “There’s nonetheless a number of time. There’s two video games left with what we wish to obtain and all I wish to do is win, so there’s lots left.”
There’s a temptation to easily write off Rodriguez’s efficiency as coming towards an overmatched opponent. It was in spite of everything Colombia’s largest margin of victory ever in a Copa América match. However strive telling that to the U.S. males’s nationwide staff, who fell to Panama within the group stage. Whereas the expertise hole between the 2 groups on today was clear, a staff with that edge continues to be obligated to make use of it to its full benefit, and that is what Rodriguez and the remainder of his teammates did.
It nonetheless begs the query as to why Rodriguez can excel for his nation however not for his membership. For Colombia supervisor Nestor Lorenzo, there is no thriller as to why Rodriguez is hitting prime kind on this event.
“He is a superb participant,” Lorenzo mentioned merely about Rodriguez. “He is a participant that’s glad inside the sphere. The coach simply sees easy methods to put him [on the field so he can] take pleasure in.”
It actually helps that Rodriguez has been given largely a free function within the staff, permitting him to maneuver aspect to aspect, and even deep into midfield to seek out house. Extra importantly, his teammates appear loads keen to work for him. That sort of steadiness within the aspect — of not simply capacity, however of ego and accountability — is one thing that Lorenzo appreciates. He senses it on this staff too.
“Soccer is an 11-player recreation and typically 10 need to play for that one participant they usually need to be keen to do this,” he mentioned. “However every of these 11 gamers need to play for his or her teammates, for the opposite 10. And that’s what this staff is exhibiting, nice angle and giving their all for his or her teammates. That has been obvious from minute one.”
There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned about discovering calmness in an surroundings totally different from what is going on with Rodriguez’s membership. He actually is not the primary participant to make use of a nationwide staff as a refuge. However Lorenzo was fast to deflect credit score for the psychological state of Rodriguez and his teammates.
“I would not know easy methods to measure that with the teaching workers,” he mentioned in reference to the staff’s morale, with the assistance of a translator. “We’re constantly [emphasizing] how necessary it is to play in your nationwide staff, to put on your jersey. And I feel it is one thing to take to coronary heart that makes you proud.
“That’s on the aspect of the gamers. I feel we do not have a number of affect in that sense. We are able to present some management, and if the gamers are dedicated on this approach, it’s as a result of they love their jersey and they’re very glad being right here.”
Whatever the how or the why, that Rodriguez is discovering pleasure on the sphere once more is evident, and his efficiency on Saturday put him in some choose firm. He is now tied with Lionel Messi for probably the most assists in a single Copa América since 2011 (a interval that spans 5 tournaments) with 5.
His eight assists over that interval are second solely to Messi’s 17. Rodríguez’s 10 purpose contributions (three objectives, seven assists) during the last 5 Copa América tournaments tie Ángel Di María, Alexis Sánchez and Paolo Guerrero for the third-most purpose contributions in that span behind Eduardo Vargas’ 14 and Messi’s 25.
Now Colombia finds itself within the semifinals of the Copa América for the third time within the final 4 editions. However it’s at this stage that the Cafeteros often stumble. Two early objectives conceded within the semifinals towards Chile eradicated Colombia again in 2016, when Lorenzo simply so occurred to be an assistant coach on Colombia’s workers. A penalty shootout defeat to Argentina 5 years later triggered much more angst. It has additionally been 23 lengthy years since Colombia claimed its solely Copa América, a event that it hosted.
It’s that historical past, which explains why Rodriguez is taking nothing with no consideration. “We’re doing all our greatest so we are able to win. We’ve the toughest matches left,” mentioned.
If Rodriguez can sustain his present kind, these challenges will turn out to be lots simpler.
GLENDALE, Arizona — Large tournaments at all times throw out a number of surprises. Unheralded groups come to the fore. Beforehand unknown gamers make their mark. Maybe an growing older veteran can idiot Father Time as soon as extra and summon up one final hurrah.
Within the 2024 Copa America, the continued renaissance of Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez qualifies as a marvel. His one-goal, two help efficiency on Saturday catapulted his nation previous Panama 5-0 and into the Copa América semifinals.
In some respects, that Rodriguez is lighting up a world event should not be information. This can be a man who burst onto the scene on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a tournament-high six objectives, main the Cafeteros to the quarterfinals. His chest-trap-and-volley to attain the opening purpose towards Uruguay within the Spherical of 16 stays etched within the reminiscence. The person’s expertise is clear.
However there’s one other facet to Rodriguez’s performances on this event that has been confounding. Ever since that breakout efficiency, Rodriguez’s membership profession has been in a downward spiral. His transfer to Actual Madrid noticed a gentle erosion in enjoying time. The identical was true throughout a two-year spell with Bayern Munich. After which step-by-step, he appeared to transferring down the rungs of the membership recreation — Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, and now São Paulo in Brazil — the place he is performed however 22 video games over the previous yr, and already appears surplus to necessities.
But one thing occurs when Rodriguez pulls on a Colombia shirt. He was already sitting on three assists on this event when he set to work towards the Canaleros, delivering an inch-perfect supply from a nook for defender Jhon Córdoba to nod residence within the eighth minute. Rodriguez discovered the web himself from a Fifteenth-minute penalty after Colombia midfielder Jhon Arias was upended by Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera.
Rodriguez’s most impressed second got here simply 4 minutes earlier than halftime. Noticing that the Panamanian protection was standing flat-footed, he took a fast free kick excessive of the protection that discovered Luis Díaz within the clear, and the Liverpool man then delivered an outstanding lofted end 4 yards exterior the penalty space to increase Colombia’s lead. When Rodriguez exited the match within the 73rd minute, it was to a standing ovation, with the midfielder applauding the followers again.
“I at all times attempt to assist my teammates in order that they will play effectively and I congratulate them for enjoying effectively,” Rodriguez mentioned through a translator. He added, “We’re all going via a superb second. We’re doing objectives from set items, from penalties and deliberate performs which is an effective factor.”
When requested if he is been the very best participant on the Copa América, Rodriguez mentioned, “There’s nonetheless a number of time. There’s two video games left with what we wish to obtain and all I wish to do is win, so there’s lots left.”
There’s a temptation to easily write off Rodriguez’s efficiency as coming towards an overmatched opponent. It was in spite of everything Colombia’s largest margin of victory ever in a Copa América match. However strive telling that to the U.S. males’s nationwide staff, who fell to Panama within the group stage. Whereas the expertise hole between the 2 groups on today was clear, a staff with that edge continues to be obligated to make use of it to its full benefit, and that is what Rodriguez and the remainder of his teammates did.
It nonetheless begs the query as to why Rodriguez can excel for his nation however not for his membership. For Colombia supervisor Nestor Lorenzo, there is no thriller as to why Rodriguez is hitting prime kind on this event.
“He is a superb participant,” Lorenzo mentioned merely about Rodriguez. “He is a participant that’s glad inside the sphere. The coach simply sees easy methods to put him [on the field so he can] take pleasure in.”
It actually helps that Rodriguez has been given largely a free function within the staff, permitting him to maneuver aspect to aspect, and even deep into midfield to seek out house. Extra importantly, his teammates appear loads keen to work for him. That sort of steadiness within the aspect — of not simply capacity, however of ego and accountability — is one thing that Lorenzo appreciates. He senses it on this staff too.
“Soccer is an 11-player recreation and typically 10 need to play for that one participant they usually need to be keen to do this,” he mentioned. “However every of these 11 gamers need to play for his or her teammates, for the opposite 10. And that’s what this staff is exhibiting, nice angle and giving their all for his or her teammates. That has been obvious from minute one.”
There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned about discovering calmness in an surroundings totally different from what is going on with Rodriguez’s membership. He actually is not the primary participant to make use of a nationwide staff as a refuge. However Lorenzo was fast to deflect credit score for the psychological state of Rodriguez and his teammates.
“I would not know easy methods to measure that with the teaching workers,” he mentioned in reference to the staff’s morale, with the assistance of a translator. “We’re constantly [emphasizing] how necessary it is to play in your nationwide staff, to put on your jersey. And I feel it is one thing to take to coronary heart that makes you proud.
“That’s on the aspect of the gamers. I feel we do not have a number of affect in that sense. We are able to present some management, and if the gamers are dedicated on this approach, it’s as a result of they love their jersey and they’re very glad being right here.”
Whatever the how or the why, that Rodriguez is discovering pleasure on the sphere once more is evident, and his efficiency on Saturday put him in some choose firm. He is now tied with Lionel Messi for probably the most assists in a single Copa América since 2011 (a interval that spans 5 tournaments) with 5.
His eight assists over that interval are second solely to Messi’s 17. Rodríguez’s 10 purpose contributions (three objectives, seven assists) during the last 5 Copa América tournaments tie Ángel Di María, Alexis Sánchez and Paolo Guerrero for the third-most purpose contributions in that span behind Eduardo Vargas’ 14 and Messi’s 25.
Now Colombia finds itself within the semifinals of the Copa América for the third time within the final 4 editions. However it’s at this stage that the Cafeteros often stumble. Two early objectives conceded within the semifinals towards Chile eradicated Colombia again in 2016, when Lorenzo simply so occurred to be an assistant coach on Colombia’s workers. A penalty shootout defeat to Argentina 5 years later triggered much more angst. It has additionally been 23 lengthy years since Colombia claimed its solely Copa América, a event that it hosted.
It’s that historical past, which explains why Rodriguez is taking nothing with no consideration. “We’re doing all our greatest so we are able to win. We’ve the toughest matches left,” mentioned.
If Rodriguez can sustain his present kind, these challenges will turn out to be lots simpler.
GLENDALE, Arizona — Large tournaments at all times throw out a number of surprises. Unheralded groups come to the fore. Beforehand unknown gamers make their mark. Maybe an growing older veteran can idiot Father Time as soon as extra and summon up one final hurrah.
Within the 2024 Copa America, the continued renaissance of Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez qualifies as a marvel. His one-goal, two help efficiency on Saturday catapulted his nation previous Panama 5-0 and into the Copa América semifinals.
In some respects, that Rodriguez is lighting up a world event should not be information. This can be a man who burst onto the scene on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a tournament-high six objectives, main the Cafeteros to the quarterfinals. His chest-trap-and-volley to attain the opening purpose towards Uruguay within the Spherical of 16 stays etched within the reminiscence. The person’s expertise is clear.
However there’s one other facet to Rodriguez’s performances on this event that has been confounding. Ever since that breakout efficiency, Rodriguez’s membership profession has been in a downward spiral. His transfer to Actual Madrid noticed a gentle erosion in enjoying time. The identical was true throughout a two-year spell with Bayern Munich. After which step-by-step, he appeared to transferring down the rungs of the membership recreation — Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, and now São Paulo in Brazil — the place he is performed however 22 video games over the previous yr, and already appears surplus to necessities.
But one thing occurs when Rodriguez pulls on a Colombia shirt. He was already sitting on three assists on this event when he set to work towards the Canaleros, delivering an inch-perfect supply from a nook for defender Jhon Córdoba to nod residence within the eighth minute. Rodriguez discovered the web himself from a Fifteenth-minute penalty after Colombia midfielder Jhon Arias was upended by Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera.
Rodriguez’s most impressed second got here simply 4 minutes earlier than halftime. Noticing that the Panamanian protection was standing flat-footed, he took a fast free kick excessive of the protection that discovered Luis Díaz within the clear, and the Liverpool man then delivered an outstanding lofted end 4 yards exterior the penalty space to increase Colombia’s lead. When Rodriguez exited the match within the 73rd minute, it was to a standing ovation, with the midfielder applauding the followers again.
“I at all times attempt to assist my teammates in order that they will play effectively and I congratulate them for enjoying effectively,” Rodriguez mentioned through a translator. He added, “We’re all going via a superb second. We’re doing objectives from set items, from penalties and deliberate performs which is an effective factor.”
When requested if he is been the very best participant on the Copa América, Rodriguez mentioned, “There’s nonetheless a number of time. There’s two video games left with what we wish to obtain and all I wish to do is win, so there’s lots left.”
There’s a temptation to easily write off Rodriguez’s efficiency as coming towards an overmatched opponent. It was in spite of everything Colombia’s largest margin of victory ever in a Copa América match. However strive telling that to the U.S. males’s nationwide staff, who fell to Panama within the group stage. Whereas the expertise hole between the 2 groups on today was clear, a staff with that edge continues to be obligated to make use of it to its full benefit, and that is what Rodriguez and the remainder of his teammates did.
It nonetheless begs the query as to why Rodriguez can excel for his nation however not for his membership. For Colombia supervisor Nestor Lorenzo, there is no thriller as to why Rodriguez is hitting prime kind on this event.
“He is a superb participant,” Lorenzo mentioned merely about Rodriguez. “He is a participant that’s glad inside the sphere. The coach simply sees easy methods to put him [on the field so he can] take pleasure in.”
It actually helps that Rodriguez has been given largely a free function within the staff, permitting him to maneuver aspect to aspect, and even deep into midfield to seek out house. Extra importantly, his teammates appear loads keen to work for him. That sort of steadiness within the aspect — of not simply capacity, however of ego and accountability — is one thing that Lorenzo appreciates. He senses it on this staff too.
“Soccer is an 11-player recreation and typically 10 need to play for that one participant they usually need to be keen to do this,” he mentioned. “However every of these 11 gamers need to play for his or her teammates, for the opposite 10. And that’s what this staff is exhibiting, nice angle and giving their all for his or her teammates. That has been obvious from minute one.”
There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned about discovering calmness in an surroundings totally different from what is going on with Rodriguez’s membership. He actually is not the primary participant to make use of a nationwide staff as a refuge. However Lorenzo was fast to deflect credit score for the psychological state of Rodriguez and his teammates.
“I would not know easy methods to measure that with the teaching workers,” he mentioned in reference to the staff’s morale, with the assistance of a translator. “We’re constantly [emphasizing] how necessary it is to play in your nationwide staff, to put on your jersey. And I feel it is one thing to take to coronary heart that makes you proud.
“That’s on the aspect of the gamers. I feel we do not have a number of affect in that sense. We are able to present some management, and if the gamers are dedicated on this approach, it’s as a result of they love their jersey and they’re very glad being right here.”
Whatever the how or the why, that Rodriguez is discovering pleasure on the sphere once more is evident, and his efficiency on Saturday put him in some choose firm. He is now tied with Lionel Messi for probably the most assists in a single Copa América since 2011 (a interval that spans 5 tournaments) with 5.
His eight assists over that interval are second solely to Messi’s 17. Rodríguez’s 10 purpose contributions (three objectives, seven assists) during the last 5 Copa América tournaments tie Ángel Di María, Alexis Sánchez and Paolo Guerrero for the third-most purpose contributions in that span behind Eduardo Vargas’ 14 and Messi’s 25.
Now Colombia finds itself within the semifinals of the Copa América for the third time within the final 4 editions. However it’s at this stage that the Cafeteros often stumble. Two early objectives conceded within the semifinals towards Chile eradicated Colombia again in 2016, when Lorenzo simply so occurred to be an assistant coach on Colombia’s workers. A penalty shootout defeat to Argentina 5 years later triggered much more angst. It has additionally been 23 lengthy years since Colombia claimed its solely Copa América, a event that it hosted.
It’s that historical past, which explains why Rodriguez is taking nothing with no consideration. “We’re doing all our greatest so we are able to win. We’ve the toughest matches left,” mentioned.
If Rodriguez can sustain his present kind, these challenges will turn out to be lots simpler.
GLENDALE, Arizona — Large tournaments at all times throw out a number of surprises. Unheralded groups come to the fore. Beforehand unknown gamers make their mark. Maybe an growing older veteran can idiot Father Time as soon as extra and summon up one final hurrah.
Within the 2024 Copa America, the continued renaissance of Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez qualifies as a marvel. His one-goal, two help efficiency on Saturday catapulted his nation previous Panama 5-0 and into the Copa América semifinals.
In some respects, that Rodriguez is lighting up a world event should not be information. This can be a man who burst onto the scene on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a tournament-high six objectives, main the Cafeteros to the quarterfinals. His chest-trap-and-volley to attain the opening purpose towards Uruguay within the Spherical of 16 stays etched within the reminiscence. The person’s expertise is clear.
However there’s one other facet to Rodriguez’s performances on this event that has been confounding. Ever since that breakout efficiency, Rodriguez’s membership profession has been in a downward spiral. His transfer to Actual Madrid noticed a gentle erosion in enjoying time. The identical was true throughout a two-year spell with Bayern Munich. After which step-by-step, he appeared to transferring down the rungs of the membership recreation — Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, and now São Paulo in Brazil — the place he is performed however 22 video games over the previous yr, and already appears surplus to necessities.
But one thing occurs when Rodriguez pulls on a Colombia shirt. He was already sitting on three assists on this event when he set to work towards the Canaleros, delivering an inch-perfect supply from a nook for defender Jhon Córdoba to nod residence within the eighth minute. Rodriguez discovered the web himself from a Fifteenth-minute penalty after Colombia midfielder Jhon Arias was upended by Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera.
Rodriguez’s most impressed second got here simply 4 minutes earlier than halftime. Noticing that the Panamanian protection was standing flat-footed, he took a fast free kick excessive of the protection that discovered Luis Díaz within the clear, and the Liverpool man then delivered an outstanding lofted end 4 yards exterior the penalty space to increase Colombia’s lead. When Rodriguez exited the match within the 73rd minute, it was to a standing ovation, with the midfielder applauding the followers again.
“I at all times attempt to assist my teammates in order that they will play effectively and I congratulate them for enjoying effectively,” Rodriguez mentioned through a translator. He added, “We’re all going via a superb second. We’re doing objectives from set items, from penalties and deliberate performs which is an effective factor.”
When requested if he is been the very best participant on the Copa América, Rodriguez mentioned, “There’s nonetheless a number of time. There’s two video games left with what we wish to obtain and all I wish to do is win, so there’s lots left.”
There’s a temptation to easily write off Rodriguez’s efficiency as coming towards an overmatched opponent. It was in spite of everything Colombia’s largest margin of victory ever in a Copa América match. However strive telling that to the U.S. males’s nationwide staff, who fell to Panama within the group stage. Whereas the expertise hole between the 2 groups on today was clear, a staff with that edge continues to be obligated to make use of it to its full benefit, and that is what Rodriguez and the remainder of his teammates did.
It nonetheless begs the query as to why Rodriguez can excel for his nation however not for his membership. For Colombia supervisor Nestor Lorenzo, there is no thriller as to why Rodriguez is hitting prime kind on this event.
“He is a superb participant,” Lorenzo mentioned merely about Rodriguez. “He is a participant that’s glad inside the sphere. The coach simply sees easy methods to put him [on the field so he can] take pleasure in.”
It actually helps that Rodriguez has been given largely a free function within the staff, permitting him to maneuver aspect to aspect, and even deep into midfield to seek out house. Extra importantly, his teammates appear loads keen to work for him. That sort of steadiness within the aspect — of not simply capacity, however of ego and accountability — is one thing that Lorenzo appreciates. He senses it on this staff too.
“Soccer is an 11-player recreation and typically 10 need to play for that one participant they usually need to be keen to do this,” he mentioned. “However every of these 11 gamers need to play for his or her teammates, for the opposite 10. And that’s what this staff is exhibiting, nice angle and giving their all for his or her teammates. That has been obvious from minute one.”
There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned about discovering calmness in an surroundings totally different from what is going on with Rodriguez’s membership. He actually is not the primary participant to make use of a nationwide staff as a refuge. However Lorenzo was fast to deflect credit score for the psychological state of Rodriguez and his teammates.
“I would not know easy methods to measure that with the teaching workers,” he mentioned in reference to the staff’s morale, with the assistance of a translator. “We’re constantly [emphasizing] how necessary it is to play in your nationwide staff, to put on your jersey. And I feel it is one thing to take to coronary heart that makes you proud.
“That’s on the aspect of the gamers. I feel we do not have a number of affect in that sense. We are able to present some management, and if the gamers are dedicated on this approach, it’s as a result of they love their jersey and they’re very glad being right here.”
Whatever the how or the why, that Rodriguez is discovering pleasure on the sphere once more is evident, and his efficiency on Saturday put him in some choose firm. He is now tied with Lionel Messi for probably the most assists in a single Copa América since 2011 (a interval that spans 5 tournaments) with 5.
His eight assists over that interval are second solely to Messi’s 17. Rodríguez’s 10 purpose contributions (three objectives, seven assists) during the last 5 Copa América tournaments tie Ángel Di María, Alexis Sánchez and Paolo Guerrero for the third-most purpose contributions in that span behind Eduardo Vargas’ 14 and Messi’s 25.
Now Colombia finds itself within the semifinals of the Copa América for the third time within the final 4 editions. However it’s at this stage that the Cafeteros often stumble. Two early objectives conceded within the semifinals towards Chile eradicated Colombia again in 2016, when Lorenzo simply so occurred to be an assistant coach on Colombia’s workers. A penalty shootout defeat to Argentina 5 years later triggered much more angst. It has additionally been 23 lengthy years since Colombia claimed its solely Copa América, a event that it hosted.
It’s that historical past, which explains why Rodriguez is taking nothing with no consideration. “We’re doing all our greatest so we are able to win. We’ve the toughest matches left,” mentioned.
If Rodriguez can sustain his present kind, these challenges will turn out to be lots simpler.