CUIABA, Brazil (AP) – Substitute James Rodriguez scored a brilliant goal and set up two more for Jackson Martinez as Colombia beat Japan 4-1 today to confirm top spot in Group C and eliminate the Asian champions from the World Cup.
Already assured of advancing, Colombia guaranteed first place with their third straight win, setting up a second-round match against Uruguay.
The Colombians started with a virtual second-string line-up but still went in front when Juan Cuadrado – one of the few regular starters – drilled in a 17th-minute penalty.
Japan equalised 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 Rodriguez – to put the result beyond doubt.
Group C Standings
Teams Matches Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Points
Colombia 3 3 0 0 9 2 9
Greece 3 1 1 1 2 4 4
Côte d’Ivoire3 1 0 2 4 5 3
Japan 3 0 1 2 2 6 1
Group C Results
Colombia 3, Greece 0
Ivory Coast 2, Japan 1
Colombia 2, Ivory Coast 1
Japan 0, Greece 0
Japan 1, Colombia 4
Greece 2, Ivory Coast 1
