World Cup 2014: Who Is James Rodriguez? 5 Things to Know About Colombia's Superstar Scorer
The FIFA World Cup is always a great event to find the best soccer players in the world. Every four years, a new breakout player for a nation comes out and takes the league by storm.
This year, it's Colombia's own James Rodriguez.
Thanks to Rodriguez, Colombia has found themselves in the quarterfinals for the first time in their countries history. Beating Brazil will be no easy task, especially in Brazil, but Rodriguez gives Colombia more hope than ever before.
Here's five things to know about James Rodriguez:
1. He's the Leading Goal Scorer
So far through four games, Colombia is 4-0. They cruised through Group C and then defeated Uruguay in the Round of 16. In those four games, they have scored a combined 11 goals. James Rodriguez has scored five goals thus far. That's almost half of the team's goals and leads all World Cup players this year. His best performance came against Uruguay in the Round of 16, when he scored both goals in a 2-0 victory.
2. It's His First World Cup Appearance
It's amazing how great Rodriguez has been playing and handling the pressure.
What makes it even more impressive is the fact that he's only 22 years old, and this is his first ever appearance at a World Cup. A lot of young players would follow the older veteran players guidance or crumble under the pressure. Instead, Rodriguez is leading Colombia and the rest of the world in goals scored en route to a possible semifinals game.
3. He's Related to His Team's Goalkeeper
Well, sort of.
Colombia's goalkeeper David Ospina has a sister named Daniela Ospina, and, you guessed it, she's married to Rodriguez. The two have been married for three years and have a kid. It's safe to say that David Ospina and Rodriguez will remain close teammates throughout their careers.
4. He Plays Multiple Positions
Despite being the leading goal scorer of the tournament, Rodriguez is primarily a middle fielder for Colombia. His high endurance and stamina allows him to play offense and the middle field with prime passes. Rodriguez has also been a great defender against opposing players when needed. Rodriguez is a scoring threat from both the corner and the middle of the field and draws constant double teams allowing other to get open.
5. He's The All-Time Leading Scorer For Colombia
Now this is incredible.
The 22-year-old who is playing in his first ever World Cup is already the all-time leading goal scorer in Colombian World Cup history. Colombia may not be Brazil, Italy or Germany when it comes to World Cup success, but to be the most prolific goal scorer at this stage in his career is unbelievable. Rodriguez's five goals are two ahead of Jackson Martinez, Bernardo Redin and Adolfo Valencia.