PASADENA, Calif. (AP) James Rodriguez scored a goal and set up another in the first 30 minutes, and Colombia clinched a berth in the Copa America quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory over Paraguay on Tuesday night.
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Colombia became the first team to secure advancement to the knockout stage of the tournament with stellar goaltending from David Ospina and another dynamic performance from Rodriguez, who shook off a shoulder injury that made his availability a game-time decision at the Rose Bowl.
Carlos Bacca heads home off the corner kick from James Rodriguez to put Colombia in front. #COLvPAR #MyCopaColors https://t.co/zjtUaK7j8f
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 8, 2016
The Real Madrid midfielder propelled Colombia to its second win in two matches, following a 2-0 victory over the United States last week.
James Rodriguez nets his 2nd #CopaAmerica Centenario goal to give Colombia a 2-goal cushion. #COLvPAR #MyCopaColors https://t.co/qWbfLc8VWB
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 8, 2016
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Victor Ayala scored Paraguay’s first goal of the Copa America in the 71st minute on a long shot past Ospina (the goal of the tournament?), who made a handful of jaw-dropping saves to keep Colombia ahead.
Take a bow, Victor Ayala. #COLvPAR #MyCopaColors https://t.co/kJCuVWjsTf
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 8, 2016