James Rodriguez Colombia
Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez has surpassed all expectations and could lead his country to the quarterfinals. Reuters

Colombia’s James Rodriguez has just entered another stratosphere.

The 22-year-old Monaco winger put Colombia up 1-0 over Uruguay in Saturday’s World Cup Round of 16 matchup in the 28th minute with one of the best goals of the tournament.

Just above the top of the penalty area, Rodriguez volleyed and curved midfielder Abel Aguilar’s header to the top left corner of the net and past the reach of Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

It was a particularly impressive goal considering its placement. Had the shot been just slightly lower, Muslera would have touched it enough to deny Rodriguez. Had the shot been slightly higher, the shot would have hit the crossbar. Rodriguez's ability to chest the ball and serve up his left foot made the shot all the more fantastic.

It was Rodriguez’s fourth goal in the tournament in his fourth straight game, and Aguilar notched his second assist, but Colombia also is on the cusp of advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time in history. Rodriguez has also put himself in the discussion for the illustrious Golden Ball, the trophy awarded to the World Cup's best player.

World cup 2014 Australia Lionel Messi