Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has declared that Colombia striker James Rodriguez is the best player at the World Cup after watching the Monaco star put his team out of the competition.

Rodriguez found the net twice as the Colombians triumphed 2-0 in the last-16 clash, convincing Tabarez that he is up there with the very best South American players.

"I know him - not personally, but I've seen him play for a while. He arrived in Argentina at 17 and already showed his talent," he said.

"Talents are those who do things which have nothing to do with their life experience - [Diego] Maradona, [Lionel] Messi, [Luis] Suarez. They do things because they have certain gifts that make him special.

"It's not up to me, but from what I've seen he's the best player in the World Cup. I don't think I'm exaggerating."

Colombia will take on hosts Brazil in the quarter-finals after they overcame Chile on penalties following a 1-1 draw.