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SAMARA, Russia (AP) – Colombia won their group and qualified for the next phase of the World Cup in Russia, but lost to James Rodriguez when he needed it the most.
The Colombians found themselves without Rodriguez in the half-hour match that beat Senegal Thursday 1-0. The top scorer of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil was found in the locker room. Although he later returned to the bank to encourage his team, the forecasts do not look encouraging.
Colombian coach Jose Pekerman refused to confirm whether James is suffering from the same muscle overload that prevented him from playing in the World Cup debut as Colombia lost against Japan 1- 0 or if it involves a new injury.
"I am very worried.This situation is very difficult for the team," said Pekerman at a press conference. "It's not a comfortable situation."
Pekerman said the Bayern Munich midfielder was training the day before. After training on Wednesday, he remained on the pitch shooting free throws and from the penalty spot, as he normally does after practice. Until then, there was no indication of an injury.
James had a brilliant performance in the previous match, in which Colombia won 3-0 against Poland.
Colombia ended up winning Group H with six points thanks to defender Yerry Mina's header.
At the end of the match, James and Mina celebrated the shock by shaking hands on the field.
"We are sorry that James left the game so early," said Mina.
"This is a player who gives a lot of football, a lot of joy to the national team, and we were a little sad about it, but we knew how to lead the game safely, and finally win, "said Mina.
The next opponents of Colombia will be England, second in Group H. The match of the second round will take place next Tuesday at Spartak Stadium in Moscow.
Colombians are looking to repeat their historic performance in Brazil four years ago, when they reached the quarter-finals, and James led the scorecard with six wins.
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