 |
| James Rodriguez was the star in Colombia's win. Photo Credit: Getty Images |
Behind the golden foot of James Rodriguez Colombia steamrolled into the Quarterfinals by defeating Uruguay. This result also sets up a showdown on July 4th against the World Cup host Brazil.
By: Sunil Sunderraj
Uruguay continued to pepper the net which forced Ospina to make a spectacular save on a low left shot at the 84th minute from Edinson Cavani. Unfortunately for Uruguay, time ran out on them in this one and Colombia went off the field victorious.
In the first half Rodriguez produced possibly the goal of the World Cup at the 28th minute. Balancing the ball with his chest, spinning around and left volleying a laser shot that hit underneath the crossbar into the back of the net. He became the first player since 1998 to score in each of his first career World Cup matches. Its quite the feat considering the stiff competition he is going up against in this version of the World Cup. Rodriguez set another record as he became the first player since 2002 and the tenth player in World Cup history to score four goals in a single World Cup.
Early into the first half,Colombia was flexing its muscle offensively as they were creating a wide array of scoring opportunities for themselves.One of those chances occurred for Midfielder Juan Guillermo Cuadradro. His shot shot from outside the box was punched out by Uruguay’s goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Another golden scoring chance came at the eleventh minute. Juan Camilo Zuniga shot also from outside the box was pounced on by Muslera.
Colombia at one point in the match dominated possession of the ball 71 to 29 percent. It was as one sided a half of a match that has occurred in this World cup to date.
Goal keeper David Ospina came up with a brilliant stop in the 38th minute off a blistering shot from close range off the foot of Alvaro Rafel Gonzalez.
Rodriguez sealed the game for Colombia in the 50th minute on some extravagant passing. A cross from Cristian Rodriguez to Cristian Stuani who headed the ball to Rodriguez who side footed the ball into the back of the net. Uruguay did not fold in the 2nd half as they pressed the attack. Christian Rodriguez left footed strike was headed to the bottom right hand corner but Ospina made a sparkling diving stop.
At the 78th minute Alvaro Pereira batted the ball down and kicked a shot that was batted away by Ospina. Uruguay continued to pepper the net which forced Ospina to make a spectacular save on a low left shot at the 84th minute from Edinson Cavani. Unfortunately for Uruguay, time ran out on them in this one and Colombia went off the field victorious.
