Two goals from James Rodriguez have fired Colombia into a quarter-final encounter with World Cup hosts Brazil, after Jose Pekerman's side earned a comfortable 2-0 victory over Uruguay at the Estadio Maracana this evening.
© Getty Images
Colombia were the first to threaten in a tame first half, with Juan Zuniga making use of Jackson Martinez's through-ball, only to smash his effort straight at the keeper from distance.
With both sides defending resolutely, chances were hard to come by in the opening period, however Rodriguez made his mark in the 28th minute as he took the ball down on his chest before dispatching a left-footed volley into the top corner of goal.
© Getty Images
Edinson Cavani looked to make use of one of Uruguay's few opportunities in the first half when he cannoned in a free kick from the edge of the area, though it was just a little too high as it went whistling over the crossbar.
Uruguay might have equalised just before the interval but for David Ospina, who pulled off a strong save to keep out Alvaro Gonzalez's acute volley.
Things were to get even worse for Oscar Tabarez's men after the break when first-half hero Rodriguez capped off some fine team play to convert past a helpless Fernando Muslera.
© Getty Images
The second goal injected a little bit of urgency into Uruguay as Cristian Rodriguez marauded forward, however Ospina was on hand to make another good stop to his left.
The Colombian keeper was in form yet again in the closing stages to keep out Cavani, who sought out a mere consolation with a stinging first-time effort towards the bottom corner, leaving the final score at 2-0.
