- At the start of his fourth CONMEBOL Copa America™, the number 10 was one of the standout players for Néstor Lorenzo's team.
- A good first step for Colombia in the tournament.
James Rodríguez was one of Colombia's standout players in their opening match of CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024™: the midfielder provided the two assists for goals scored by Muñoz and Lerma.
Around the 32nd minute, after a good buildup of offensive passes, James received the ball on the left and crossed it for Daniel Muñoz, who headed it in to open the scoring.
Less than ten minutes after Muñoz's goal, James, positioned near the right sideline, delivered a curling free kick that found Jefferson Lerma's head, sending Néstor Lorenzo's team into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
The Sao Paulo player continued to be prominent in the second half and came close to scoring a third, but his shot went just wide.
James was also important in recovering the ball, with a total of five recoveries, only behind Richard Ríos (7), John Arias (6), and Daniel Muñoz (6).
His great performance earned him the title of Superior Player of the Match Michelob ULTRA.
The captain left the field, replaced by Juan Fernando Quintero in the 46th minute of the second half. The Colombian fans gave their idol a standing ovation in what was a great victory to start dreaming.
