Colombia beat Paraguay 2-1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California Tuesday night. The Cafeteros came out hot with two first half goals, but fatigue showed in the second half. With the win, Colombia are the first team to qualify for the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals.
Colombia got a strong first half performance from James Rodriguez who factored on both goals despite being considered doubtful going into tonight's match after suffering an injury against the United States. On the first goal, Rodriguez took a second corner kick after the shot attempt on the first one was blocked. This time the ball hung up long enough for Carlos Bacca to smash into the back of the net.
The second goal Rodriguez finished himself, after Edwin Cardona found him coming forward on a trailing run.
Paraguay substitutes came on in the second half and brought the team back into it. David Ospina made a fingertip save to stop an Oscar Romero attempt, but he was powerless to keep out the long distance rocket substitute Victor Ayala sent flying by in the seventy-first minute.
Box Score
- 12' - COL - Carlos Bacca (James Rodriguez)
- 30' - COL - James Rodriguez (Edwin Cardona)
- 71' - PAR - Victor Ayala
- Full Box score
- Stats
- Watch Highlights
Three Things
- JAMES RODRIGUEZ IS ON FIRE: It came down to a day of game decision whether or not Rodriguez would be available for selection in this match, but Colombia is sure glad he was able to go. The attacker had 73 touches, the most on the team and the overwhelming majority of them in the attacking half according to Opta. Looks like he's just fine.
- FROM WAY DOWNTOWN: Ayala's rocket barely rotated as it screamed through the air, with the replay video getting lots of social media love. That goal meant that four of Paraguay's last seven goals in Copa America play have come from outside the penalty area according to Opta.
- BOOM SHAKA-LAKA: Colombia are the first team guaranteed to advance to the quarterfinals, which brings them one step closer to a possible title. If they can pull it off it would be their second Copa America win, the first won outside their country's borders.
Next Up
- COL: Saturday vs. Costa Rica (9 pm ET, FS2)
- PAR: Saturday at United States (7 pm ET, FS1)
