Brazil v Colombia: Fernandinho says Brazil will not man-mark James Rodriguez in World Cup quarter-final
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Fernandinho says Brazil will not man-mark James Rodriguez in Friday’s quarter-final even though he concedes his side cannot afford to give the Colombia star any space.
The attacking midfielder has lit up the tournament with his five goals — including a magnificent volley in Colombia’s last-16 victory over Uruguay — making him the leading scorer in Brazil.
Monaco paid Porto £35million to sign Rodriguez last summer and Fernandinho has been impressed by his rise.
“I played against him in the Champions League [in 2011],” said the Manchester City midfielder. “It was at the start of his time in Europe and he wasn’t yet a first‑choice for Porto.
“But already in that game he showed his technical quality with his left foot.
“In this World Cup he is showing everyone that the money Monaco paid for him was well invested. The less space he gets against us, the better it will be for Brazil.”
Patrick Barclay's team of the World Cup so far (3-4-3)
Despite that, Fernandinho said there is no question of Brazil changing their tactics to try and stop the midfielder when the teams meet in Fortaleza.
“Wherever I’ve played, man-marking does not exist any more,” said Fernandinho. “It needs to be done zonally.”
