Colombia attacker James Rodriguez admitted to feeling disappointed as his side dropped out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals but insisted they can be proud.
Rodriguez exits the tournament as arguably the stand-out player after netting six times and helping Los Cafeteros to their first ever last-eight tie at the World Cup finals.
However, the Monaco man was unable to steer the South American side even further as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of hosts Brazil on Friday night.
Thiago Silva opened the scoring on the night after some poor marking granted him space to bundle home from a corner.
PSG defender David Luiz netted the second with a memorable free-kick from 35 yards out before Rodriguez fired home to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot late on.
Colombia won a lot of admirers at the competition as they progressed through the group with a perfect record of three wins in as many games, while playing attractive free-flowing football.
The 22-year-old was left in tears at the full time whistle but said that it was important for Jose Pekerman’s side to keep their heads held high.
Rodriguez said: “We are sad but very proud.
“The referee was wrong but Brazil is very good. David Luiz and Daniel Alves are great players.
“We wanted to carry on but we hold our heads high. Thank you Colombia.
We’re sad but we also have to feel proud because we left our skins out there.”
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