Colombia came into the 2014 FIFA World Cup with low expectations. They had not proven themselves on the big stage yet, and their star striker Radamel Falcao would miss the tournament through a knee injury.
Many in the Colombian camp were hopeful that Falcao could recover from his injury in time to make the trip to Brazil, but it wasn’t to be. Colombia was forced to forge on without their talisman, and forge on they have.
The South American side has yet to drop a point at the tournament, winning all four matches they have played. During the group stage, they were brilliant against the likes of Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan. They finished their first three matches with nine goals scored, and only conceded two.
During this time, a star was born.
James Rodriguez came to the tournament as one of the worlds leading young talents. He made a big money move to French club Monaco last summer, and was ready to take his game to new heights. Nobody expected what was to follow from the young Colombian.
Rodriguez has hit five goals in just four games at the World Cup to lead all scorers. He has scored from everywhere, inside the box, from close range, and he has hit bombs as well.
His stunning strike against Uruguay in the round of 16 will be remembered for years to come. During that game against Uruguay, Colombia played their most complete game of the tournament as a team. They disposed of the 2010 semifinalists with a comfortable 2-0 win, and for the first time at the tournament, they threw their name into the discussion of potential winners at the World Cup.
To be the best, you must beat the best has always been said in sports. Colombia will have to do that in the quarterfinals.
They come up against Brazil. The host nation has been the odds on favorite to win the tournament, as home advantage has proven helpful for the Selecao for years.
Brazil has gone 62 matches without losing on home soil, a record which dates back to 1979.
What can James and the Colombians do to end this streak? They must hit Brazil on the break, similar to what Chile had done. The Brazilian midfield has looked shaky all tournament and if the Colombians can hit them on the counter attack, they may be successful.If Rodriguez is offered any space in the center of the field, he may be crucial to organizing the Colombian attack.
The underdogs must also get in the faces of the hosts. They must rattle Brazil early; maybe knock Neymar on the ground at the beginning of the game. If they can get in the heads of the Brazilians, they may be able to throw them off their game. Neymar’s previous outing against the Colombians was not a positive one, he skied a penalty kick almost out of the stadium.
The Colombians are hoping that the quarterfinals of the World Cup will offer similar results. They have the talent and the ability to beat the hosts. Now they must come out and play the games of their careers in order to advance.
