James Rodriguez's Colombia held off the challenge of Borussia Dortmund's Lukasz Piszczek (r.) and Poland to make their presence known at the 2018 FIFA World Cup - © © gettyimages / Alex Livesey
James Rodriguez's Colombia held off the challenge of Borussia Dortmund's Lukasz Piszczek (r.) and Poland to make their presence known at the 2018 FIFA World Cup - © © gettyimages / Alex Livesey

James Rodriguez: Colombia and Bayern Munich star made for the World Cup

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With six goals and four assists in eight FIFA World Cup games, it is safe to say Bayern Munich and Colombia star James Rodriguez is at home on the biggest stage.

After bursting onto the scene in Brazil four years ago, the already iconic number 10 has been reinforcing his reputation in Russia, inspiring his nation to a 3-0 win over Poland which was the stepping stone for qualification into the knockout stages.

That came on his first start after a calf injury restricted him to a reserve role in their 2-1 opening defeat to Japan, and his performance proved that, with James, Colombia can think big this summer.

- © gettyimages / Alex Livesey

Colombia face England in the last 16 on Tuesday commencing the business-end of the tournament for teams involved, where the challenges will only get tougher. "All national teams are strong now and really want to win the title, like France, Brazil," James said. "There are a lot of strong teams and Colombia have to take each game at a time. We've got a young squad, not as much experience as four years ago. We have many young lads who in a few years will be even better."

Lads like James, who used the last World Cup as a career springboard to thrust him to the level he has now attained, and is proving he belongs there.

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- © gettyimages / Julian Finney