FULL-TIME: Colombia 2-0 Uruguay — Rodriguez Double Sends Cafeteros into Historic Quarter-Final Clash with Brazil
Colombia made history at the Maracanã, booking their first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance with a commanding 2-0 victory over Uruguay. At the heart of it all was the sensational James Rodriguez, who once again dazzled on the global stage.
Rodriguez opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a goal that may be remembered as one of the greatest in World Cup history — chesting the ball down outside the box and unleashing a spectacular volley that crashed in off the crossbar, leaving Fernando Muslera rooted.
The Monaco playmaker doubled Colombia’s lead five minutes into the second half, finishing off a slick team move. After a patient build-up, a cross from the left found Juan Cuadrado, who headed it back across goal for Rodriguez to slot in calmly from close range.
Uruguay, lacking any real attacking threat in the absence of the suspended Luis Suarez, rarely troubled the Colombian defense. Edinson Cavani worked hard but was isolated throughout, and Colombia’s David Ospina was rarely tested, though he made key stops when needed.
With this result, José Pékerman’s side sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final against hosts Brazil in Fortaleza on Friday. Rodriguez, now the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals, continues to shine as one of the breakout stars of Brazil 2014.
For Uruguay, it’s the end of a turbulent campaign, while Colombia march on — full of flair, belief, and led by a young man playing the tournament of his life.
