Colombia player ratings vs Argentina: James Rodriguez falls short as Los Cafeteros lose in Copa America final

The playmaker failed to lift his side to one more win as a remarkable tournament run ended in final

James Rodriguez and Colombia's Copa America magic ran out on Sunday night, Los Cafeteros falling 1-0 to Argentina in the final. Despite being named the best player of Copa America 2024, Rodriguez couldn't muster any heroics against Argentina.

Los Cafeteros started the contest with the vigour of a side on a 28-game undefeated streak. They had a few good chances early, Jhon Cordoba hitting the post before Jefferson Lerma fired wide. Rodriguez, for his part, started well but failed to make an impact late on. Meanwhile, Argentina only grew, and an extra time goal from Lautaro Martinez forced the surprise finalists to settle for a runners' up medal.

Argentina really turned things on after the break. Angel Di Maria forced a full-strech save out of Camilo Vargas. Argentina thought they had won it after 70 minutes when Julian Alvarez found the back of the net - but his clever poke was ruled out due to an offside in the build up.

They should have taken the lead in extra time, but Nico Gonzalez mishit his close range effort into the arms of a grateful Camilo Vargas. And Colombia ran out of steam in the second extra period. A defensive collapse saw Martinez run through on goal, and the Inter striker finished calmly into the top corner to see Los Cafeteros' hopes of a first Copa America since 2001 ended.

GOAL rates Colombia's players from Hard Rock Cafe Stadium.

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Goalkeeper & Defense
Camilo Vargas (6/10):
Made an impressive save to deny Di Maria after the break. Had no chance on the Argentina winner.
Santiago Arias (6/10):
Targeted by Argentina, filling in for the impressive Daniel Munoz. Held his own, for the most part - even if Tagliafico made his life awkward late.
Carlos Cuesta (6/10):
Was kept busy by first Julian Alvarez, then Lautaro Martinez. Didn't get tight enough on the winning goal.
Davinson Sanchez (7/10):
Immense at the back. Won his headers, made some tackles. But then threw it away with a silly moment in extra time. An unfortunate way to end things; he's been so good this tournament.
Johan Mojica (6/10):
Had real difficulty against Angel Di Maria for long stretches, but also offered some valuable attacking thrust. Out of position on Martinez's winner.

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Midfield
Jefferson Lerma (7/10):
Almost smashed one in from 35 yards. Shepherded space in midfield effectively. Ran himself into the ground.
Richard Rios (6/10):
Did the dirty work well, and kept Enzo Fernandez relatively quiet. But could have been cleaner on the ball.
James Rodriguez (6/10):
Was a constant threat from set pieces and in wide areas. His influence faded as the game wore on, and he ran out of gas by extra time.
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Attack
Jhon Arias (6/10):
Offered plenty of energy, but could have been cleaner when presented with a few goalscoring opportunities.
Jhon Cordoba (6/10):
Involved heavily in the first half, and had a decent few looks on goal.
Luis Diaz (6/10):
Electric in the open field, and was often clattered by Argentina defenders.

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Subs & Manager
Kevin Castano (6/10):
Didn't have much of an impact in forward areas.
Rafael Borre (6/10):
Offered a more direct threat through the middle.
Juan Quintero (7/10):
Replaced James in extra time. Provided a real spark. Almost smashed one in.
Jorge Carrascal (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Mateus Uribe (N/A):
Extra legs, but not much quality.
Miguel Borja (N/A):
Came on, didn't do much, got booked.
Nestor Lorenzo (6/10):
Set up his side to play expansive football, but found themselves stalled by a feisty Argentina side.

Goalkeeper & Defense

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager