Analysis: Even without a perfect rhythm, James Rodriguez shows how he can contribute to São Paulo | Sao Paulo

Much was expected of a showdown between the Copa del Rey finalist and Brazil’s undisputed leader, but the 0-0 match between Sao Paulo and Botafogo didn’t do all that. Tricolor took some time to find the best strategy in the game, and it ended in a tie just for both of them.

Well, the James Rodriguez tags linger.

Sao Paulo was completely different than usual. Only three players were retained in the classic line-up, mainly because “the emotional charge of the rating was fantastic”, as assistant Lucas Silvestre said before the match. Coach Dorival was suspended for his third yellow card.

All eyes were on James Rodriguez, the name most celebrated by fans in the lineup. It was his first time as a junior and also his Morumbi debut, where he really showed himself to be comfortable.

Despite the lack of pace and physical conditions, the midfielder showed good signs. The vision of the game, for example, is the same as it was in the best of times. If the best move at the Maracanã was to let Wellington Rato in front of goal, this time he fired Nathan with a top-notch pass, deep, that nobody saw.

This move did not end with its introduction because Sao Paulo did not enter the field to attack spaces much. Either way, it serves as an example of what James can contribute. When Tricolor has to find spaces where it doesn’t, the Colombian would be a great choice.

James played about half an hour in the last round, adding another 45 minutes and thus resuming the rhythm of the match. It’s been four months without playing, between his last time with Olympiacos of Greece and his debut for Sao Paulo last week.

Against Botafogo, collectively, Tricolor lost pace with the changes they made and were far from intense in the victory over Corinthians. Quick escapes appeared only in the second half, when James Rodriguez had already left. In his place, Lucas Moura took part less than expected – he had already spent everything on the classic.

In addition, Luciano returned well after two away matches, one due to injury and the other due to suspension. He got into the game in Morumbi, creating the best chance when he edged Juan and attempted long shots. You just need to pay more attention to the offside line, because you scored two goals in an irregular position in the second half.

It was an “unmissable” tie, said the Wellington full-back on his way off the field. Essentially thinking about what Sao Paulo can bring together in the future, when they have Lucas Moura, James, Luciano and Calleri in the best of circumstances.

Sao Paulo will return to the field next Thursday, against LDU, in Ecuador, in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals. As for the Brazilians, the next duel will be against America-MG, on Sunday, in Belo Horizonte.

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