James Rodriguez is one of the most technically gifted players in the world and back in 2014 he showed exactly what he can do at the World Cup in Brazil.
The Colombian midfielder has had an impressive first season at Everton so far, since moving to the Premier League from Real Madrid in the summer.
Whilst that move came after a disappointing last few years at the Bernabeu, his move to Real was sealed following his impressive World Cup campaign seven years ago.
Rodriguez really lit up the tournament in Brazil, scoring six goals for Colombia and winning the Golden Boot ahead of Thomas Muller, despite the country going out in the quarters.
The highlight moment for the then Monaco number 10, and for the tournament as a whole, was his goal in the last 16 against Uruguay, with a goal worthy of winning any game.
This James Rodriguez goal at the 2014 World Cup was truly a work of art 👏
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 7, 2020
(via @fifaworldcup_fr) pic.twitter.com/fvGq0lQKNQ
The goal was so good with was voted as the best goal in all of football for 2014, winning the Puskas Award from Stephanie Roche's goal for Peamount United.
Robin van Persie's impressive leaping header for Netherlands, against Spain, took third that year.
As well as his Puskas Award winner, Rodriguez scored against Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan in the group stage, another against Uruguay and even a penalty in the losing effort to hosts Brazil in the quarters.
His overall World Cup highlights show why his goals helped him make the World Cup Dream Team, it's no wonder Real decided to sign him after this.
Throwback to when James Rodriguez lit up the 2014 World Cup! 🇨🇴🔥 pic.twitter.com/YYITGLSgGZ
— FIFA World Cup (@TheWorldCupLife) June 14, 2018
This year the 29-year-old has impressed for Carlo Ancelotti's team, scoring five goals and producing another four assists for his teammates.
Incredibly he didn't actually cost the Toffees anything in a transfer fee, despite the fact he wasn't out of contract at the Bernabeu before moving.
The former Porto player has suffered injuries this season, including an unfortunate blow to his testicles during the Merseyside derby earlier this season.
A report last month claimed he wasn't happy with life in England and wanted to return to Spain with Atletico Madrid.
source https://www.sportbible.com/football/take-a-bow-classic-james-rodriguez-was-incredible-at-the-world-cup-in-brazil-20210327
0 Comments