Two goals from Colombia winger James Rodriguez gave his side a 2-0 win over South American rivals Uruguay.

A stunning 25-yard volley after half an hour gave Los Cafeteros a deserved lead, and then the 22-year-old doubled his tally just five minutes into the second half when he swept home following Juan Cuadrado's header.

A Luis Suarez-less Uruguay rarely threatened, with Maxi Pereira going close towards the end but his shot was blocked by an onrushing David Ospina.

The opening exchanges had very few attempts on goal, and rather the two teams seemed more concentrated on trying to dominate midfield.

For nearly half an hour, Uruguay were more content with putting as many men behind the ball as possible and there seemed to be no way through for Colombia.

However just before the half hour mark, Rodriguez controlled a high ball on his chest before unleashing a dipping volley from 25 yards out which crashed in on the edge of the crossbar.

Colombia were fired up after scoring what could be goal of the tournament, although they quickly had to turn to defending and excellently kept out Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan until half time.

Uruguay knew they needed a goal quickly after half time to get back into a game they were fading out of, but Colombia struck again when Pablo Armero's cross was headed across goal by Cuadrado and swept home from six yards by Rodriguez for his World Cup-leading fifth goal of the tournament.

Colombia had all-but won the game by this point and Uruguay barely even got into their opponent's third, although Pereira went close when volleyed straight into the chest of Ospina from six yards out.

Cavani also went close in the dying moments but his low shot was well saved, and ultimately Uruguay did not deserve to go through meaning Suarez paid the ultimate price for his moment of madness against Italy.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Oliver Lines
Sports journalist in England attempting to make something of this crazy world