UPDATE (midnight Wednesday): James Rodriguez started and scored the game-winning goal in Colombia’s win over Paraguay in their second game of Copa America 2016.
It turns out Colombia had less to fear over Rodriguez than we thought. Colombia’s misdirection on Rodriguez’s status undoubtedly altered Paraguay’s preparation and strategy.
Well played, head coach Jose Pekerman.
ORIGINAL STORY: James Rodriguez won’t immediately help Colombia’s national soccer extend its lead in Copa America 2016 Group A.
Colombia has ruled Rodriguez out of its upcoming game against Paraguay due to the left shoulder injury he suffered in the tournament opener, The Associated Press and Sky Sports reported Monday. Rodriguez suffered the injury Friday when he fell awkwardly in the second half of his team’s Group A win over the United States. He had scored from the penalty spot earlier in the game. Colombia will face Paraguay on Tuesday without its captain and star playmaker.
Paraguay coach Ramon Diaz described Rodriguez’s absence as “significant” but not fatal to Colombia’s hopes of beating his team.
“It would be very significant,” Diaz said Monday at a press conference, according to Goal.com. “He’s one of the best players in the world. He has class and great football and human quality.
“It is a significant loss, but Colombia has other good players at good levels and have options to replace him.”
Edwin Cardona likely will assume Rodriguez’s playmaking duties.
“If I get chosen to play in that position I will do so for the benefit of my team,” Cardona told reporters, according to Sky Sports.
Cardona, a 23-year-old midfielder, has scored three goals in 14 games for Colombia. He was a key player at club level last season, helping Pachuca reach the Liga MX (Mexico’s first division) final. He scored 18 goals and assisted on eight more in league play and is no stranger to big occasions, as Colombia-Paraguay is bound to be.
Rodriguez joins Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Uruguay’s Luis Suarez among star players, who have missed Copa America 2016 games due to injury.
Colombia didn’t set a timetable for Rodriguez’s return. He dislocated the same shoulder in February but barely missed any time thanks to Real Madrid’s quick-acting medical staff.
Rodriguez returned quickly from that injury, playing 15 minutes off the bench in Real Madrid’s next game just four days later.
Group A leader Colombia can cope without Rodriguez against Paraguay and probably doesn’t need the 24-year-old to beat Costa Rica on Saturday.
The quarterfinals begin on June 16. Chances are Rodriguez will be ready and raring to go by then.
Copa America 2016 players to watch >>
Thumbnail photo via Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports Images
