#WC2018:Colombia running out of time, and Rodriguez out at halftime
MOSCOW, Russia (AP) — Colombia have 45 minutes to shoot its way into the World Cup’s knockout stage, and it will have to do it without James Rodriguez.
The star midfielder was subbed out just 31 minutes into his squad’s final group match, in Samara against Senegal, which is tied 0-0 at the half. Teammate Radamel Falcao patted him on the back as Rodriguez walked slowly off the pitch with his head bowed and headed straight for the locker room. Luis Muriel replaced him.
Rodriguez has been dealing with a nagging calf injury and soreness that kept him from starting Colombia’s tournament-opening loss to Japan.
He had two assists in Colombia’s 3-0 victory over Poland on Sunday. He has six goals and four assists in eight World Cup appearances.
Colombia need at least a point to advance to the round of 16. Senegal will make it through with a draw regardless of the result in the simultaneous match between Japan and already-eliminated Poland in Volgograd.