Hazard all praise for Rodriguez
Belgium’s Eden Hazard on Monday praised “super-good” Colombian goal ace James Rodriguez and said he hoped to make similar headlines at the World Cup.
The Chelsea star admitted he has yet to hit form in the tournament. “I think that each match I’ve given my maximum. Since the start of the World Cup I haven’t had a great match with good moves,” Hazard said.
“I haven’t had a good match that with good moves that could be decisive for our team. So I hope I can do that and have a good match.”
He added: “I would really like it if I can get around the pitch more and see more of the ball — and make a difference, basically.”
Hazard had been tipped to become one of the World Cup’s brightest stars but has found himself crowded out in Belgium’s group wins against Algeria and Russia. He nearly opened his account after coming on in the final minutes of the 1-0 victory over South Korea, but saw an angled shot palmed away by goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu.
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said he is still waiting for Hazard to “take hold of a match” and had discussed the problem with the 23-year-old.
Rodriguez scored three times in group play and he blasted Colombia into the last eight, first with a superb volley and then by finishing a team move to seal the 2-0 win. “He played a super-good match. I knew who he was but most people didn’t know much about Colombia,” Hazard said of the 22-year-old Rodriguez.
“I think yes, his statistics are the best and he showed yesterday that he can carry a team. We thought it would be difficult for Colombia without (injured striker Radamel) Falcao. But he scored two superb goals.”
I WOULD REALLY LIKE IT IF I CAN GET AROUND THE PITCH MORE AND SEE MORE OF THE BALL AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I HOPE I CAN DO THAT AND HAVE A GOOD MATCH