SANTA CLARA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Brazil head coach Dorival Junior has heaped praise on Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez ahead of the teams' final Copa America group stage clash here on Tuesday.

Dorival was Rodriguez's manager at Sao Paulo for more than five months before his appointment as Brazil's national team boss in January.

"James arrived at a time when Sao Paulo started to consolidate a starting lineup," Dorival told reporters on Monday after he was asked about the midfielder's lack of playing time with the Brazilian side.

"He did well in his first few matches but the playing group was also doing well collectively. He has always been a top-level player who has attracted attention for his qualities and technical ability."

Rodriguez has made just 11 starts since joining Sao Paulo on a free transfer last July. But despite his lack of playing time at club level, the 32-year-old has been in exceptional form for his country, providing three assists in the Cafeteros' first two games of this tournament.

"He really feels so good wearing the Colombian national team shirt and he impresses in every aspect," Dorival said.

"Some players do well for their clubs but don't perform for their national teams. For James, it's the opposite. He feels very good and fully integrated into a group that respects him, embraces him and that makes him even more important for a team that has been on an upward trajectory."

Colombia are already guaranteed of a place in the Copa America quarterfinals and would finish top of Group D with a draw in Tuesday's clash at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Brazil, meanwhile, need a draw to reach the last eight while a victory would see Dorival's men usurp Colombia at the top of the group. Enditem

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