10 Players to Watch at the 2018 World Cup

Group H: James Rodriguez

Country: Colombia

Club Team: Bayern Munich (on loan from Real Madrid)

Age: 26

Since winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup, James Rodriguez's career has brought him to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. While he struggled with injury in Madrid, his 2017 loan move to Bayern helped him rediscover his form just in time for Russia.

James' performance in 2014 was nothing short of perfect. He scored in each of Colombia's five matches, and he announced himself on the world stage. Now, four years later, James will return to the spotlight in which he shone so brightly, but with much higher expectations this time around.

His 2014 showing is an almost impossible act to follow. James' play was nearly flawless and, on an individual level, a repeat can't be expected. However, on a team level, Colombia will be hoping to repeat and surpass their Quarterfinal exit to Brazil in 2014. Their squad is a mix of youth and experience and will be likely be captained by their all-time leading goal scorer Radamel Falcao.

Due to how the draw shook out, James and Colombia are going to have a difficult time matching their result from 2014. We give them a 69.55% chance of reaching the Round of 16, where they would likely face either Belgium or England. Against England, our metrics give them a 37.48% chance of advancing, while that number drops to only 21.16% against Belgium.

All in all, we give Columbia a 5.83% chance of surpassing their 2014 result and reaching the semifinals. If that is to happen, James will need to duplicate his historic efforts from Brazil, and possibly even exceed them.

What to Expect: