Japan vs. Colombia Japan vs. Colombia Japan vs. Colombia 1 : 4 Group C Match / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

Carlos Valderrama and that mop of hair remain synonymous with Colombia but there is a growing sense that this generation can earn legendary status of their own.

Jackson Martinéz set the South Americans on their way to a third group victory with two second-half goals before a sublime James Rodríguez finish set up a meeting with Uruguay on Saturday.

This was another formidable performance from a team who could better the achievements of the 1990 team led by Valderrama, which reached the second round. In Monaco midfielder Rodríguez, they have one of the tournament stars.

There was also a memorable moment for goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón, who at 43 became the oldest player at a World Cup when he came on as a substitute, and Uruguay will face a tough task to progress.

Only a victory would have sufficed for Japan but at times this was another frustrating, trademark performance.

While Japan may be attack-minded, well-drilled and technically astute, they are pacifists in the opposition penalty area.
Their hopes appeared forlorn after 17 minutes when Yasuyuki Konno inexplicably brought down Adrian Ramos in the area, with Juan Cuadrado scoring from the spot.
Japan levelled on the stroke of half-time when Shinji Okazaki headed in to breathe life into the Samurai Blue.

That life was strangled out of them when Martinéz pounced from close range after brilliant approach play from Rodríguez, who had been introduced at the break.
Japan had chances, through Honda and Okubo, but Martinéz settled it with a cool finish before Rodríguez chipped in a fourth to add the gloss to another striking performance.

by Telegraph / www.FlagWigs.com

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