Colombia's success in advancing to the 2024 Copa America semifinals cannot be separated from the role of James Rodriguez. He proved that his quality remains permanent even though he no longer plays in Europe.
Rodriguez seemed to 'disappear' from circulation after leaving Everton in the summer of 2021. He wandered to Qatar to defend Al-Rayyan, returned to Europe and played in Greece with Olympiakos, then joined Sao Paulo in the Brazilian League in July 2023.
At the age of thirty, no longer playing in a top European team could be a sign that he is 'finished' and is just waiting for the time to hang up his boots. Moreover, Rodriquez has also rarely appeared during 2024. He has only played eight matches with Sao Paulo.
But that did not apply to the Colombian National Team. Rodriguez remains a mainstay, even trusted again as captain since the end of 2023 and continuing in the 2024 Copa America. The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich player also made a real contribution.
Colombia won Group D after beating Paraguay and Costa Rica and drawing with Brazil. In the quarter-finals, they crushed Panama by five goals to nil. In the four matches played, Rodriguez contributed one goal and five assists!
"The most important thing is still ahead. We hope to reach the final," Rodriguez said after eliminating Panama, as quoted by ESPN.
"I'm very happy because we're going through a good moment. We played well and scored early," explained the 32-year-old.
Colombia will face Uruguay, who eliminated Brazil, in the semifinals on Thursday (11/7) at 07:00 WIB. Can Rodriguez's 'magic' continue?