Colombia crush Japan 4-1 to set up Uruguay clash

Thursday, 26 June 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CUIABA Brazil (Reuters): Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez set up Jackson Martinez for two goals and scored one himself as they thrashed Japan 4-1 to claim top spot in Group C on Tuesday and set up a mouthwatering second-round clash with Uruguay. Colombia, who are in the last 16 for the first time since 1990 and had never before won three matches at the finals, went ahead with an early Juan Cuadrado penalty at the Pantanal arena. Martinez struck twice in the second half from passes by halftime substitute Rodriguez and Colombia could even afford to bring on 43-year-old back-up goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon who became the oldest player to take the field at a World Cup. Rodriguez, one of eight players rested from the starting lineup by coach Jose Pekerman after the 2-1 win over Ivory Coast that secured Colombia’s second-round berth, wrapped up the win with a delightful fourth goal. Greece beat the Ivory Coast 2-1 in the other game in the section to set up a last 16 clash with Costa Rica while Japan finished bottom of the group with one point. The Japanese suffered their worst defeat at a World Cup since they lost by the same score against Brazil in 2006 in Germany but still contributed to an entertaining and exciting last match at the Cuiaba venue.

Colombia's Jackson Martinez celebrates with James Rodriguez after scoring his second goal during the 2014 World Cup Group C soccer match between Japan and Colombia at the Pantanal arena in Cuiaba – REUTERS