adminRIO DE JANEIRO. — World Cup soccer sensation James Rodriguez said that Colombia would feel “no pressure” against Brazil in the quarter-finals after inspiring his side to a 2-0 victory over Colombia.
The 22-year-old scored a contender for goal of the tournament with an exquisite volley in the 28th minute of Saturday’s last-16 game at the Maracana before doubling his tally shortly after half-time.
Colombia will face the hosts in Fortaleza tomorrow and Rodriguez believes that his side’s four consecutive wins in the tournament mean that Brazil will have to take them seriously.
“There’s no pressure,” said the Monaco playmaker.
“Obviously we have to watch Brazil closely. They have very good players and they play good football, but they’ll have to watch us closely as well.
“We have good players and we can be dangerous. I think it’s going to be a beautiful match.”
Rodriguez’s man-of-the-match display prompted Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez to liken him to Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, but he was modest in his own assessment of his performance.
“I only want to help the team,” said Rodriguez, who is now the tournament’s top scorer with five goals.
“I’m playing at a good level. We’re scoring goals and I’m happy because of that.”
Although Brazil needed penalties to overcome Chile after a 1-1 draw in their last-16 tie on Saturday, Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said that his side would not underestimate them. — AFP.
Online Reporter