On track. Every time.
There’s something about the way James Rodriguez floats on a set piece – he walks towards the ball, flicks his foot to send it spinning towards the penalty area, but leaves it in the air just long enough to keep the keeper at bay – that makes it incredibly difficult to resist.
He has already created seven chances from set pieces at the Copa America. Only three players have created more chances, in any category, at any point. And he could have made a third set-piece assist in a thrilling first half against Brazil had VAR not been so merciless. You will often see him trotting from one side of the pitch to the other to take consecutive corners, but the fans are happy to wait.
Rodriguez was also very versatile from set pieces. After eight minutes, the 32-year-old sent a powerful free-kick towards goal, but it hit the crossbar and went out of bounds. It was a shame it was overshadowed by Raphinha’s try just five minutes into the game.
Then, from a central position, he suddenly changes technique, quickly closing his body to try to surprise Alisson. Of course, he almost succeeds.
Even though he has lost a meter of speed, Rodriguez still feels like he has a head start. By moving behind the two forwards, doing, basically, whatever he wants, he keeps this excellent Colombian team moving.
GO FURTHER
Brazil 1-1 Colombia: Uruguay awaits Brazil, Colombia tops Group D
