Colombia captain James Rodriguez pronounced his ‘love’ for team-mate, and brother-in-law, David Ospina following his match winning saves against Peru in the Copa America quarter-finals.
The Arsenal reserve keeper made the definitive save in the penalty shootout to send Jose Peckerman’s side into a semi-final clash against either Mexico or Chile.
Ospina also rescued Colombia in normal time with a superb save from Christian Ramos’ goal-bound header before denying Miguel Trauco with an acrobatic stop from his foot in the subsequent penalty decider.
James Rodriguez embraces his team-mate David Ospina as Colombia reach the Copa America last four
The Arsenal keeper made an acrobatic save to deny Peru’s Miguel Trauco in the penalty shootout
Real Madrid superstar James goes to congratulate Ospina – who is also his brother-in-law
Real Madrid superstar Rodriguez, who is married to Ospina’s sister, branded his brother-in-law – who lost his place to Petr cech at the Emirates last season – as ‘the best’.
‘He’s a great, I hope he’s here for us many more times,’ he said. ‘I love him a lot, he knows that. Today and always he’s been there. I think he’s the best.’
Ospina, who only managed four Premier League appearances last season, was pleased with the result but warned his team-mates there is still ‘a long way to go’.
‘You have to enjoy because this team is doing very well under the guidance of great coaching staff and this is what we were expecting, but there’s a long way to go,’ he said.
‘It was a very intense game and we knew that penalties were a possibility. We continue working and this good group, this family, will have to stick together, because today we were all together on the pitch.’
The 27-year-old, who only made four appearances for Arsenal last season, pulled out some incredible saves
James insists Colombia have no preference between facing Mexico and Chile in the semi-finals
Colombia players race to celebrate with their man-of-the-match goalkeeper after the winning save
Rodriguez claims he does not have a preference between Chile and Mexico in semi-finals – while disputing the idea that Mexico carry an advantage as they are managed by a Colombian, Juan Carlos Osorio.
‘No, why? It doesn’t mean anything,’ said Rodriguez, who has scored two goals and made one assist in three games.
‘Whichever is fine,’ he added’Both are tough and in an instance like this I don’t think you can really choose.’