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Colombia's King James

Dave Raish June 29, 2014

He was arguably the World Cup's best player in the group stage and against Uruguay in the Round of 16, he was no different. With two goals, James Rodriguez is the Man of the Match.

WM 2014 Achtelfinale Kolumbien Uruguay
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

James Rodriguez's two goals on Saturday led Colombia to their fourth-consecutive victory of the tournament. The AS Monaco midfielder's five goals overall is the most at the World Cup so far, and he's done it in just four matches.

Colombia arrived in Brazil with questions over just how their attack would come together. Striker Radamel Falcao's injury left a gaping hole in the squad's front line, and somebody needed to fill it.

Enter James Rodriguez (pronounced "ham-es"). The 22-year-old has been a revelation in Brazil. Argentina's Lionel Messi, the Netherlands' Arjen Robben and Brazil's Neymar have all put themselves in contention for the Golden Ball. But after his brilliant performance against Uruguay, Rodriguez is undoubtedly the player of the tournament thus far.

His turning volleyed goal in the first half of that match could fairly be called the best of Brazil 2014 - a tournament that has barely finished the group stage yet already has seen just five fewer goals than all of World Cup South Africa four years ago.

But Rodriguez does more than score goals. His vision on the ball has been excellent, particularly when combining with teammate Juan Cuadrado. Combined, those two have more assists (6) than any other attacking duo at the tournament.

Colombia's young star has been called the breakout player of this World Cup, an odd title to give someone like James Rodriguez. His 45-million-euro move from FC Porto to Monaco last summer established him as one of the world's elite talents, and Ligue 1 is hardly a league that leaves stars "undiscovered."

Nonetheless, it's often said players don't become great until they've performed on the world's biggest stage. In just four matches, Rodriguez has left an unforgettable mark at the World Cup.

"I'm happy because we are making history and as a young man I dreamed of being here. And of course we want to do even more," said Rodriguez after the Uruguay match.

Move aside LeBron, there's a new King James.

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