Golden boy James Rodriguez struggles to regain 2014 form

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP):

Colombia has a lot to live up to in Russia after providing one of the standout moments of the last World Cup. James Rodriguez was catapulted to stardom when he took the ball on his chest and swivelled before smashing a volley in off the underside of the bar at the Maracana against Uruguay.

It helped to secure Colombia's spot in the quarterfinals in 2014 and ultimately, for James, a move to Real Madrid.

But James has struggled to live up to the highs of Brazil, where he scored a tournament-leading six goals. He struggled to make an impact in Spain and has been trying to regain form ahead of this World Cup at Bayern Munich.

It was a struggle, too, for Colombia to even qualify for a second straight World Cup with a spot only sealed in the last match.

It enables Radamel Falcao to finally appear at soccer's biggest event after missing the trip to Brazil with a left knee injury.