Colombian play-maker James Rodriguez has become his country’s top goalscorer ever at the World Cup after scoring in Colombia’s 4-1 victory against Japan, his third of the tournament, Colombia’s CM& news station reported on Tuesday.
Rodriguez, who is quickly cementing his reputation on the biggest stage of all, scored his third goal of the World Cup in Colombia’s final Group C match against Japan on Tuesday.
MORE: Colombia rolls Japan 4-1, cruises into 1st World Cup elimination round in 24 years
The Monaco star, who also scored against Greece and the Ivory Coast in Colombia’s two previous matches, surpassed Bernardo Redin’s national record of two goals at the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
Rodriguez’s tally of three goals puts him in second-place among the leading scorers of the tournament, just behind Brazil’s star Neymar, who has four goals.
Judging by his current rich vein of form, Rodriquez will have further chances to add to his tally and live up to his billing as one of the bright young stars to watch out for at this World Cup.
“Today is a day that I have dreamed about all my life”
Hoy es un día con el que soñé toda mi vida.
— James Rodríguez (@jamesdrodriguez) June 14, 2014
Colombia next takes-on Uruguay in Saturday’s round of 16 match, and Rodriquez can be expected to start as coach Jose Pekerman plans Colombia’s passage through to the quarter finals.