Colombia maintained South America's strong start to the World Cup on Thursday, downing the Ivory Coast 2-1 to stay on course for a place in the last 16. A day after Chile eliminated defending champions Spain, Colombia produced a fine attacking display to down the powerful Ivorians in Group C.
Second-half goals from Monaco starlet James Rodriguez and Juan Quintero fired Colombia into a 2-0 lead before Roma striker Gervinho pulled one back at Brasilia's National Stadium. Colombia, making their first appearance at the World Cup since 1998, could seal their second round berth later Thursday if the result of Japan's match with Greece goes their way.