FIFA World Cup 2014: Japan vs Colombia 37th Match in Pictures

Colombia sealed the top spot in Group C of the World Cup with a 4-1 thumping of Japan, setting up a clash with South American rival Uruguay in the knockout round of 16.

Juan Cuadrado opened the scoring for Colombia from the penalty spot in the 17th minute after a rash challenge by Yasuyiko Konno on Adrián Ramos. Japan equalized seconds before halftime through a header from Shinji Okazaki, but Colombia brought on star midfielder James Rodríguez for the second half and stepped on the accelerator.

Rodríguez set up Jackson Martínez to put Colombia back in front in the 55th and the same combination hit Japan again on the break to give the South Americans a 3-1 lead in the 82nd minute.

Rodríguez saved the best for last and laid a claim to being one of the standout performers of the tournament so far, twisting past his defender in the 90th minute before dinking the ball over the goalkeeper for his third goal in three games. (New York Times)

(AFP Photo)