Video: “That” goal by Columbia’s R650m superstar James Rodriguez
Now this is how the beautiful game should be played. Skillfully, joyfully and with a memorable jig after a wonder goal. Columbia have become the favourites of many neutrals after last night's goal of the tournament from 22 year old James Rodriguez (pronounced "Ha-meez" but not, of course, by English commentators). That it was the knock-out blow for Uruguay, still smarting from the banning of its talisman Luiz "Hannibal Lechter" Suarez, seemed to make it all the more appropriate. Rodriguez, who cost French first division club AS Monaco a staggering E45m (R650m) when he switched clubs last year, is the latest superstar to emerge on the global football scene. You'll need to watch the video for two and a half minutes to get to Rodriguez's wonder strike. The wait's worth every second. – AH
By Mike Collett
Rodriguez, who looks years younger but turns 23 on July 12, the day before the World Cup final, epitomised everything that was good about their confident performance against Uruguay, who struggled at the Maracana without their banned talismanic striker Luis Suarez. And while Suarez name might have been on everyone's lips at the start of the afternoon following his banishment from the tournament for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini, Rodriguez was the talking point afterwards.
"At his age, he has no problem taking on responsibilities and doing things that footballers take many years to understand," he said.
"Footballers need to handle a lot of situations and we are witnessing a footballer, with technique, who has all the things a top-level world player needs."
While his first was down to individual brilliance, his second rounded off a beautifully-worked team effort.
In the end Uruguay, raging against FIFA, conspiracy theories and cursing Suarez's fate, had no reply to a Colombia side inspired to a great victory. "It is obvious that Luis is our main reference, the main player we have and that was felt. But that is not the reason we lost," Uruguay captain Diego Godin said. "This group is leaving with its head held high. When you give everything, your soul, your heart and you give yourself for the shirt … people are thankful and Uruguayans are always going to be thankful."
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He instinctively headed it back in Rodriguez's direction and the next few seconds of play are guaranteed to be replayed time and time again down the years.
It was also a goal that was completely out of keeping with the opening phase of the game which saw both teams hesitantly stutter around without either creating any meaningful attacks.