Colombia beats Japan, tops Group C

Colombia made it look easier than assumed against the challenge of Japan. The 4-1 scoreline in favour of Colombia exhibits the kind of dominance with which Colombia played throughout the 90 minutes.

The first half turned out to be an exciting one as two teams looked to grab a goal early in the match. The first goal came in the 17^th minute when Colombia was awarded a penalty when Kanno brought down Ramos inside the penalty area. Cuardado stepped and made no mistake to put his nation 1-0 ahead. Japan looked to settle down with their passing football led by Shinji Kagawa and Honda after the early setback. They got few opportunities and pulled out few saves from the Colombian keeper until the 45^th minute when they found the equalizer. Honda whipped in a cross which Shinji Okazaki headed moments before the half time whistle. At half time it was all squared up at 1-1 as an exciting second half was on the cards.

As the second half began Japan lost much of their flair and Colombia took control of the proceedings. Colombia scored thrice in the half and sent the Asian powerhouse out of the world cup 2014. Rodriguez who came in for Quintero scored twice, both being quite good, first in the 51^st minute to give Colombia a crucial lead and the second which was more of an icing on the cake came in the 90^th. Martinez in the 81^st minute scored the third of the night to put Colombia in a position from where a draw looked a distant possibility. And finally when the fourth one came it proved the difference in class between the two teams.

Japan bows out with a just 1 point from three games and it was an absolutely disappointing exhibition from a promising side. Colombia, on the other hand, sets up a round of 16 clash with Uruguay who beat Italy earlier in the day in a controversial match. Well that may well turn out to be the first major challenge for Colombia in this tournament which has otherwise been an easy outing for the Colombians.

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About Argha Ghosh

An ardent follower of sports and die-hard Manchester United fan, Argha's ultimate dream is to watch a Manchester derby from the Stretford End at the Old Trafford.