Colombia need to "stop Neymar" if they are to have any hope of bouncing back and picking up maximum points in their crucial clash against Brazil on Thursday, according to James Rodriguez.
Los Cafeteros suffered a shock defeat to Venezuela in their opening game of the tournament at the Estadio El Teniente on Sunday.
Colombia are ranked fourth in the FIFA rankings but put in a lethargic and lacklustre performance against Venezuela who sit 68 places behind them in the rankings.
Brazil currently lead Group C after an injury-time goal from Douglas Costa sealed an unconvincing 2-1 victory over Peru.
Barcelona striker, Neymar, shone throughout scoring the equaliser and providing the assist for Costa.
"It will be crucial to stop Neymar, he is in great shape," said Real Madrid and Colombia midfielder Rodriguez.
However, Brazil have an excellent record against their South American counterparts, winning 18 out of the 28 matches they have played and losing just two.
Within this impressive streak was the narrow victory at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where they beat Colombia 2-1.
Rodriguez insists that this devastating loss will not affect the upcoming game: "This is not a revenge for the World Cup, that is history."
Brazil have put their embarrassing exit at last year's world cup behind them and are now on an 11-match winning run.
But Rodriguez believes this game will be far more open as both sides like to attack.
"It will be a game with more space," he added.
Colombia look to join Brazil on three points and gain a much-needed win when face them at the Estadio Monumental, Santiago at 1am BST.
Source: PA
