WORLD CUP: James Rodriguez In The Class Of Diego Maradona

Colombia forward James Rodriguez is in the class of Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, according to Uruguay boss Oscar Tabarez.

Rodriguez, 22, opened the scoring with a brilliant volley before adding a second to beat Uruguay and set up a quarter-final with hosts Brazil.

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman added: "I never had any doubts that this was going to be his World Cup."
"From what I have seen, he is the best player in the World Cup," said Tabarez.
"I am not exaggerating, he is a great striker."


With five goals, Rodriguez is the leading scorer at this year's tournament, one ahead of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Thomas Muller.

The Monaco star has now scored in each of his country's four games in the tournament.
He opened the scoring on 28 minutes with a wonderful volley from 20 yards.

Controlling a looping header from Abel Aguilar on his chest, Rodriguez struck a magnificent volley on the turn that skimmed over the goalkeeper's fingertips and crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.

He then doubled Colombia's lead on 50 minutes, completing a fine flowing move with a close-range shot.
Tabarez placed Rodriguez among the greats of the game following his match-winning performance.

"For me, talents are those who do things that have nothing to do with their life experience," Tabarez said.
"Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and James Rodriguez - they do things because they have a certain gift which makes them special."

Pekerman added: "In my long experience in football, I've had extraordinary footballers in my teams, elite players of a very high technical level.

"What is most surprising is that, at his young age, he does not have any problem doing things football players take many years to understand."