The Party Continues for Colombia in the World Cup; Colombia beats Japan 4-1

fcf.com.co

By Francisco Romero

Having assured a spot in the next round of World Cup play, Colombia’s line-up featured nine new players from its previous game against Japan.  The Cafeteros destroyed and eliminated Japan with a score of 4-1.  Japan needed a win to advance.

With a perfect record (3-0) in group play of the World Cup, Colombia advances to the knockout round with nine points and are set to face Uruguay.  The other team advancing from Group C is Greece and will face Costa Rica in the next round. 

Juan Cuadrado, Jackson Martinez (2) and James Rodriguez scored for Colombia while Shinji Okazaki scored for the lone goal for Japan. 

“We’ve maintained our momentum in this group phase, scored goals and we’ve also overcome the obstacles put in front of us. We’ve also been successful at an individual level,” Said Jose Pekerman, Colombian’s Coach.

When asked about their next opponent Pekerman answered the following. “I haven’t had a look at Uruguay yet because we were focused on this game, but we know we’re going to be taking on one of the strongest teams in South America and the world and some very experienced players.” 

A very confident Jackson Martinez is ready for Colombia’s next challenge, “It’s not going to be easy at all but it’s also true that we know each other well. We know what we need to do and how we have to play that match.” 

World Cup Notes:

• Soccer Powerhouses Out of World Cup: Spain, England and Italy

• FIFA has announced it is conducting an investigation on an alleged bite from Uruguay’s Luis Suarez on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini

• Both Germany and USA need a draw to advance