James Rodriguez is enjoying a stunning revival with Colombia at Copa America
Updated On: 12 July, 2024 10:03 PM IST | Washington | AP
The 27-year-old Diaz was a teenager when James proved a sensation at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he won the Golden Boot as the tournament`s top scorer and moved from Monaco to Real Madrid
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James Rodriguez. Pic/AFP
Luis Diaz was unable to control his excitement and tears when talking about James Rodriguez, the key player in Colombia`s journey to the Copa America final against Argentina on Sunday. "From the moment I arrived at the national team, I let him know that he has always been my idol," Liverpool winger Diaz said. "I grew up watching him." Such is the admiration that the midfielder, who turns 33 on Friday, attracts within the Colombian camp. The 27-year-old Diaz was a teenager when James proved a sensation at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he won the Golden Boot as the tournament`s top scorer and moved from Monaco to Real Madrid.
But for this Copa America, little was expected of James. He arrived in the United States after a poor season at Brazilian club Sao Paulo, where he ended up being an afterthought and appeared to be on his way out of there. Colombia`s aspirations of a second Copa title were placed on the shoulders of Diaz, along with Jefferson Lerma and Daniel Muñoz, another couple of players in England`s top flight. Few expected that James, despite his prodigious left foot and craftsmanship on the field, would once again be the stepping stone for Colombia in a major tournament after disappointing stints with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Everton, among other European clubs. But Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo put his faith in him and James has rewarded that by reemerging as, arguably, the best player at the tournament, establishing himself as the main focus of a team that will play defending champion Argentina at Miami Gardens, Florida, in the championship match. It will be Colombia`s first Copa final since winning the title as host in 2001.
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