Colombia lost against Argentina (3-0) with Leo Messi punishing Pékerman side. The Barcelona player scored the first goal from a free kick and gave two assists to Pratto and Ángel di María. With this result, Colombia risk now to miss the World Cup because they are sixth in the South American Group with 18 points, one point behind Argentina, who would go to the playoff.
Colombia were in the correct way to go to Russia but they haven’t won in the last three games, drawing two and losing against Argentina. In San Juan, the team had a poor performance and all the critics highlighted the bad game of James Rodríguez. The Real Madrid player is always a leader in his national team but now he also risks to miss the World Cup.
In the past months, James Rodríguez played with Colombia and showed his quality. This was used to criticize Zidane for not including him in the starting eleven. Even Pékeman didn’t understand why James didn’t have more opportunities with Real Madrid. Now, the Colombian press cannot hide the bad moment of the playmaker.
In the newspaper El Espectador they say: “James Rodríguez confirmed that he is not at his best. Anxious, inaccurate and more focus on fighting than playing”, the press said. Another one, El Tiempo, accused Real Madrid: “The few minutes in the Spanish team makes the effect in the 10, who cannot find his place. His magic is turn off and his inside fury, turn on”.
After this poor performances, James Rodríguez have to go back and convince Zinedine Zidane that he is able to play. With Casemiro and Kroos out of the team, the Colombian could have an opportunity to start the derby. However, Isco, who scored a great goal against England, and Kovacic are supposed to have priority.
