January 9, 2025
James Rodríguez after Colombia’s quarterfinal win: “We want to be champions, that’s our mindset”
The Colombian star, James Rodríguez, has made his national team’s intentions clear after defeating Uzbekistan in the KWC Nations
James Rodríguez, an undisputed figure in Colombian football and former star of teams like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, took the spotlight at the Peppino Vismara Stadium to speak after Colombia’s crushing 6-1 victory over Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals of the KWC Nations 2025.
In a match where the Colombian team shined, James expressed his satisfaction with the collective effort. He didn’t shy away from mentioning his missed penalty, which made him the first active player to attempt a President Penalty in Kings history.
“The experience has been good; the team won. I missed the Presi Penalty, but that’s part of the game. Honestly, it didn’t matter because the boys did an amazing job, and I’m super proud of them.”
“We want to be champions”
James also praised the team’s unity and the leadership of Carlos El Pibe Valderrama, the Colombian coach who has clearly built a strong connection with his players during this Kings World Cup Nations tournament.
“They’re always focused, they’re united. El Pibe has done a great job; he’s brought the group together.”
Despite the dominant victory, James made it clear that the team cannot afford to relax ahead of the semifinals, where they’ll face Morocco. The North African team knocked out the United States after a thrilling Penalty Shootout (7-7; 1-2).
“The semifinals are going to be tough, but we need to go out there and win. We want to be champions, that’s our mindset.”
These words carry the ambition of La Sele, as James sends a message of determination to Colombian fans. The showdown against Morocco promises to be an intense battle for a ticket to the finals in Turin.
