Football

James Rodriguez, the Colombian maestro who captivated the world at the 2014 World Cup, has rediscovered his brilliance on the international stage. Despite a decade of disappointment at club level, the 33-year-old playmaker has been instrumental in leading his team to the Copa America final.Rodriguez's impact on Colombia's run to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup was undeniable. His six goals included a stunning volley against Uruguay that won FIFA's Puskas Award. His performances earned him a move to Real Madrid, but he failed to live up to expectations and his club career has been marked by a series of loan spells and transfers.However, with Colombia, Rodriguez has found a renewed sense of purpose. Coach Nestor Lorenzo has given him a central role, allowing him to dictate play and create chances for his teammates. Rodriguez has responded with a tournament-record six assists and a goal."Since I took over the national team, I followed him and whenever he played (for his clubs) he did interesting things but we needed him to play," said Lorenzo.Rodriguez's resurgence has been a boon for Colombia. His clever passing and ability to find space have unlocked defenses and brought the best out of the team's attacking talents."The chance for a great player to play and get minutes gives him the opportunity to show what he can do. If he plays less, he is going to have less chance," added Lorenzo.Rodriguez's teammates are full of praise for their talisman. Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, who has been one of Colombia's standout performers at the Copa America, described Rodriguez as his idol."He has always been my idol along with (Radamel) Falcao and (Juan Guillermo) Cuadrado, who I used to watch on television when I was a kid. I keep telling James: 'You're a superstar! I admire you a lot and you deserve it,'" said Diaz.While Argentina are the favorites in Sunday's final, Colombia and Rodriguez will be determined to make history. A victory would give Colombia their second Copa America title and provide Rodriguez with a fitting end to a rollercoaster career.

Gareth Southgate's pragmatic approach has transformed England's fortunes, leading them to successive European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. Despite criticism for their cautious style, England's resilience and determination have proven effective.Southgate took over a team in disarray after their humiliating Euro 2016 exit to Iceland. He has instilled a sense of belief and unity, creating a team that is greater than the sum of its parts.England's success is not based on flair or panache. They have relied on a solid defense, a strong midfield, and a clinical attack. Their ability to grind out results and win matches in the dying minutes has been crucial.Southgate's attention to detail extends to penalty shootouts. He has implemented a rigorous training program that has helped England overcome their historical struggles in this area.Despite his success, Southgate has faced criticism for his perceived conservatism. However, he has defended his approach, arguing that it is necessary to maintain continuity and confidence within the team.Southgate's pragmatic style may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but it has been highly effective. He has transformed England into a team that is capable of competing with the best in the world.

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, has announced that he will not participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics. In an interview with ESPN, Messi explained that his decision was based on his age and the demanding schedule of the upcoming Copa America and World Cup.Messi, who turns 37 in June, acknowledged that his age is a factor in his decision. "At my age, I don't want to play everything and I need to make the right choices," he said. The Copa America, which will be held in the United States from June 20 to July 14, will be a major test for Argentina, and Messi wants to focus on that tournament.The Olympics, which start on July 26, would have been a significant challenge for Messi, who has already won a gold medal with Argentina in 2008. However, the tight schedule between the Copa America and the Olympics would have put a strain on his body."It's a difficult moment, because there's the Copa America, and that would mean two or three consecutive months away from my club," Messi said. "I need to make the right choices."Messi's decision not to participate in the Olympics does not mean that he is retiring from international football. He has expressed his desire to play in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico."I won't take part in a World Cup just to say I've done six," Messi said. "If I feel good and everything is in place for me to be there, fine, but I won't go just to go."Messi's decision is a blow to Argentina's Olympic hopes, but it is understandable given his age and the demanding schedule of the upcoming tournaments. The Argentine legend will continue to focus on his club career with Inter Miami and on leading his country to success in the Copa America and the World Cup.

Real Madrid's German midfielder Toni Kroos has announced his retirement from all football after the Euro 2024 tournament. The 34-year-old, who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany, made the announcement on Instagram on Tuesday.Kroos has been a key player for Real Madrid since joining the Spanish giants in 2014, forming a formidable midfield partnership with Luka Modric. He has won the Champions League five times with Real, including the upcoming final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1.Before the European Championship, Kroos has a chance to win the Champions League with Real for a fifth time when they face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1. He also won the Champions League with Bayern Munich before joining the Spanish giants.Kroos joined Real in 2014 and quickly formed a formidable midfield partnership with Luka Modric. In a statement on their website, Real said Kroos "will go down in Real Madrid history as one of our club and international football's greatest legends".Kroos has also won the Liga title four times. He announced he was quitting international football in July 2021 but reversed his decision in February after talks with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, who persuaded him to play on till the Euro 2024 on home soil."My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level," Kroos said on Instagram. "I am happy and proud that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it on my own."Kroos was one of the key players when Germany won the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and scored twice when they inflicted a 7-1 defeat on the host nation in the semi-finals. But four years later he was unable to prevent Germany from crashing out in the group stage in Russia.

Argentina, the reigning World Cup and Copa America champions, have announced their 29-man squad for upcoming friendly matches against Ecuador and Guatemala. The team, led by captain Lionel Messi, will use these matches as preparation for the Copa America tournament, which will be held in the United States from June 20 to July 14.The squad includes 22 of the 26 players who won the World Cup in Qatar, including Messi, Angel Di Maria, and Rodrigo De Paul. Notable absentees include Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Thiago Almada.Argentina will face Ecuador on June 9 at Chicago's Soldier Field and Guatemala on June 14 at Landover, Maryland. These matches will provide valuable experience for the team as they prepare for the Copa America, where they will be aiming to defend their title.In the Copa America, Argentina will open their campaign against Canada or Trinidad and Tobago on June 20 in Atlanta. They will then face Chile on June 25 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Peru on June 29 in Miami Gardens, Florida.Argentina is the most successful team in Copa America history, having won the tournament 15 times. They will be looking to add to their tally and cement their status as the dominant force in South American football.

North Korea's home World Cup qualifier against Japan on Tuesday will be held at a neutral venue, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced. The decision comes just four days before the scheduled match, leaving little time to find an alternative location.The AFC confirmed that the game will still take place as planned on Tuesday, but did not disclose the reason for the change in venue. However, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that North Korea expressed concerns over bacterial infections in Japan.North Korean officials had initially requested that the match be held in Japan, but the Japanese Football Association (JFA) declined due to the short notice. The JFA also cited security concerns, as Japan's foreign ministry had warned football fans against traveling to North Korea.The match in Pyongyang would have been the first game in North Korea for Japan's men's team since 2011. It would have also been a rare international football match in North Korea, which has been isolated from the international community due to its nuclear and missile programs.Despite its isolation, North Korea has qualified for the World Cup twice before. In 1966, they famously beat Italy 1-0 and made it to the quarter-finals. They also qualified in 2010, but were knocked out at the group stage after three defeats.The change in venue for the World Cup qualifier is the latest setback in relations between Japan and North Korea. The two countries have long been at odds over issues such as Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula during World War II and North Korea's missile tests.