Colombia easily defeated Panama to go to the Copa America semifinals, where they want to improve on their 2021 third-place result. The game's mood was established by Jhon Cordoba's goal in the eighth minute.
Luis Diaz gave Colombia a 3-0 lead before halftime with an incredible chip over the goalkeeper's head, and James Rodriguez followed in the fifteenth minute to score his very first goal of the competition from a penalty kick. In the seventieth minute, Richard Rios scored another goal, and in extra time, Miguel Borja sealed the 5-0 triumph from the penalty spot.
After his four Copa America games this year, James Rodriguez proved to be exceptional, and it isn't hyperbole to say that anyone can anticipate Colombia to score each and every time he controls a set-piece. He is quite skilled at delivering dead-balls and picking out players from the most impossible positions.
🚨🇨🇴 GOAL | Colombia 1-0 Panama | Cordoba
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) July 6, 2024
COLOMBIA HAVE TAKEN THE LEAD!pic.twitter.com/61FDLe3xPK
James Rodriguez with a goal and assist for Colombia!
— Agba Influencer (@tweetsbygoody) July 6, 2024
He has a goal and four assists this Copa América 📈
Colombia 🇨🇴 2 vs 0 Panama 🇵🇦 15 mins
#CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/kEyYnMEdHO
James Rodriguez with great vision and quick thinking for Colombia's third goal. As soon as Luis Diaz started the run he spotted it. Quality finish from Diaz too. pic.twitter.com/e5o4e12ffr
— James Nalton (@JDNalton) July 6, 2024
🚨🚨| GOAL: RIOS WHAT A GOAL!!!
— Transfer Sector (@TransferSector) July 6, 2024
Colombia 4-0 Panama
pic.twitter.com/kTvWCe05MN
MIGUEL BORJA makes it 5 to Colombia from the spot!!#CopaAmèrica #COLPAN pic.twitter.com/dHSItjkLDf
— Everything futbol (@incontextfutbol) July 6, 2024
James Rodriguez - the star of the show for Colombia!
Jhon Cordoba scored a goal for Colombia thanks to Rodriguez's inswinging corner, and later during the first half, a stunning free-kick demonstrated Rodriguez's passing range and intelligence. He found Luis Diaz with an accurately timed pass when the Panamanian defense was momentarily distracted. Colombia led 3-0 after the Liverpool striker hoisted the ball past the Panamanian goalkeeper.
James was without a doubt the player of the day; he not only scored the goal but also provided two assists, making it a tournament-high five goals in four games. Since 2011 (he achieved it in 2021), only Lionel Messi has recorded as many assists during a Copa America.
Between all the goals, Rodriguez scored from the penalty spot as well. He had the assurance and confidence of a man who was certain he would always score. Right now, he's playing as though 2014 hasn't changed in years. Certainly after this, a heap of clubs would be looking to sign the playmaker and try and lure him back to European football.