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| James Rodriguez |
Yahoo USA Top Latest News - James Rodriguez scored a brilliant goal and set up two more for Jackson Martinez as Colombia routed Japan 4-1 to confirm top spot in Group C and eliminate the Asian champions from the World Cup today.
Japan equalized with the last touch of the first half through Shinji Okazaki's header but Martinez scored in the 55th and 82nd minutes - both from superb passes from substitute Rodriguez - to put the result beyond doubt.
The introduction of Rodriguez tilted the game back Colombia's way after Japan finished the first half stronger, with Okazaki's goal having given Alberto Zaccheroni's side a slim chance of progressing.
Despite Japan's protests, it was a clear foul and Cuadrado had no difficulty converting the spot kick.
The goal left Japan susceptible to the counter-attack as they pushed forward in search of two goals.
The FC Porto striker made it 3-1 with a curling left-foot finish, this time following a reverse pass from Rodriguez.
James Rodriguez of Colombia celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal past goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima of Japan during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group C match between Japan and Colombia at Arena Pantanal on June 24, 2014 in Cuiaba, Brazil.
Midfielder James Rodriguez enhanced his growing reputation with an influential display as a second-half substitute as Colombia set up a mouthwatering clash with fellow South Americans Uruguay after victory over Japan in Cuiaba guaranteed them top spot in Group C.
Martinez's through-ball sent Adrian Ramos running into the penalty area and Yasuyuki Konno's decision to attempt to challenge a player heading away from goal proved to be a disastrous one as he failed to get anywhere near the ball.
Cuadrado, the 26-year-old Fiorentina winger, smashed home the penalty, to seemingly put his side in control.
But Japan bounced back with Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa, who returned after being dropped for the goalless draw against Greece, forcing David Ospina into a low save after cutting back onto his right foot and Keisuke Honda whipped a left-footed free-kick just past the goalkeeper's left-hand post.
Rodriguez capped a brilliant 45-minute cameo with a cute finish in added time.
