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WORLD FOOTBALL

    Japan vs. Colombia: Highlights from World Cup Group C Match

    Sean Swaby@seanswabyX.com LogoUK Staff WriterJune 24, 2014

    CUIABA, BRAZIL - JUNE 24: Juan Guillermo Cuadrado of Colombia shoots and scores his team's first goal on a penalty kick during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group C match between Japan and Colombia at Arena Pantanal on June 24, 2014 in Cuiaba, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
    Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

    Colombia capped an outstanding group stage with a thorough 4-1 victory over Japan to finish well atop Group C on nine points. 

    They'll next face South American rivals Uruguay in the knockout stages of the competition. 

    Juan Cuadrado struck first in the 17th minute from the penalty spot when he hit a hard, powerful shot straight ahead.  

    Cuadrado gives Colombia a 1-0 lead over Japan | https://t.co/jLqtGAHUQY

    — World Cup 2014 (@FifaWorIdCup_14) June 24, 2014 

    Colombia were given a penalty after Adrian Ramos was hauled down in the penalty area. 

    Here is the foul that gifted the Colombians the penalty. #COL https://t.co/Wfw5hYSPbZ

    — World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) June 24, 2014

    Previously, Jackson Martinez showed off some slick skills with his feet. 

    Jackson Martinez showing his quality with some great footwork in midfield. #COL https://t.co/9fnVG6Rv8r

    — World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) June 24, 2014

    Shinji Okazaki equalised right before the stroke of half-time, heading home a cross to put Japan right back in the match. 

    Empata Okazaki https://t.co/z6G77shQK1

    — Fútbol Fichajes (@FutboolFichajes) June 24, 2014

    Jackson Martinez put Colombia back on top with a fantastic goal in the 56th minute.

    Here's how Los Cafeteros went ahead: http://t.co/uPhcU74s1i https://t.co/3mIiBDsIFq

    — SB Nation (@SBNation) June 24, 2014

    Okazaki also took a wild elbow from Pablo Armero. 

    Japan vs. Colombia: Highlights from World Cup Group C Match
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    Okazaki takes one for the team. #JPN https://t.co/DGmdrQ0PVW

    — World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) June 24, 2014

    Martinez got his second tally and put a complete end to Japan's hopes late in the match. 

    Martinez making it 3-1 for Colombia. #COL https://t.co/9nhoQjH2tw

    — World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) June 24, 2014

    James Rodriguez, one of the early stars of the tournament, put the finishing touches on the match by bamboozling Japan's entire back line before scoring with a neatly chipped finish. 

    Here's James Rodriguez's quality run and finish. What a player. #COL https://t.co/RrBPWYPikR

    — World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) June 24, 2014