Colombia has already secured a spot in the World Cup playoffs. The Japanese had little chances of getting out of Group C. For this, the Asians had to beat the Colombians and hope for a favorable outcome of the meeting of rivals playing in a parallel match (Cote d'Ivoire - Greece).
The Colombians and the Japanese took to the field in the Brazilian city of Cuiaba on June 24. The South Americans have already secured access to the decisive stage of the tournament. The whole question was what the final place in Group C would Colombia take. The opponents were already known. The first in the neighboring group were the players of Costa Rica, and the second was the team of Uruguay.
The game was played very slowly. The Colombian national team in the starting lineup put up only three players from the base. But this did not radically affect the quality of the game. Despite the fact that the Japanese were in possession of the ball most of the time in the first half, the score was opened by the South Americans. At the 16th minute, Cuadrado changed the numbers on the scoreboard from the penalty spot. Colombians led 1 - 0.
The Japanese did not do much in attacking actions. It is possible to note several shots from the set against the goal of the Colombian goalkeeper. Honda punched, but this did not lead to a goal for the South Americans.
However, the Asians still bounced back in the last seconds of the half. Okazaki, after serving Honda, hit the gate of the Colombia national team. Thus, the teams went for a break with an equal score - 1 - 1.
The Colombians started the second half with attacks. Already in the 55th minute of the match Martinez sent the second goal into the goal of the Asians. Jackson shot into the far corner from outside the penalty area, leaving no chance for the Japanese goalkeeper.
After another conceded goal, the Japanese tried to transfer the game to the Colombian half of the field. Sometimes the Asians got promising attacks, but they didn’t come up with a goal.
The Colombians played on counterattacks. One of those in the 82nd minute led to the third goal scored. Jackson Martinez scored a double. The attacker on the swing in the penalty area removed the defender of the Japanese and sent the ball into the far corner of the Asians' goal with the most accurate dribbling blow from his left foot. Colombia took the lead 3 - 1.
In the 90th minute, Rodriguez set the final crushing score. He, having beaten the defender of Japan in the penalty area, threw the goalkeeper of the Asians with a graceful blow.
The final result of the meeting is 4 - 1 in favor of Colombia. The South Americans come out from the first place in Group C to the playoff match of the championship, showing with their game that not only the teams of Brazil and Argentina can be considered the favorites of the tournament. Many experts can express the idea that Colombians show the highest quality and most spectacular football in the championship.
