BRASILIA, Brazil — Colombia scored twice in six minutes in a lively second half to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 at the World Cup on Thursday and move to the brink of the knockout stage.
James Rodriguez's powerful header from a corner in the 64th minute was quickly followed by a low finish by substitute Juan Quintero, securing the South Americans' second straight win in Group C in front of a partisan pro-Colombian crowd.
Gervinho reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute with a superb run and shot inside the near post, but the Ivory Coast could not find an equalizer despite a strong finish.
A point against Japan in its third game will definitely seal qualification for Colombia but it could be secured before that, depending on the result of Japan-Greece later.
Colombia beats Ivory Coast 2-1 in World Cup
Colombia's James Rodriguez (10) celebrates with teammate Colombia's Juan Cuadrado after scoring his side's first goal during the group C World Cup soccer match between Colombia and Ivory Coast at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)