Colombia 2 Paraguay 1: Real Madrid star James Rodriguez on song as his side qualify for next round
Los Cafeteros have become first team through to the quarter-finals after second win in Copa America Centenario
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Real Madrid's James Rodriguez was the hero as Colombia became the first side through to the knockout stage — but they were made to sweat as a wonderstrike saw Paraguay stage a late second-half rally.
'Los Cafeteros' were far superior before the interval, as they raced to a two-goal lead.
But Jose Pekerman's men faced a reinvigorated Paraguay side after the break and had to thank Arsenal's No2 goalkeeper, David Ospina, to remain in font.
Colombia came into the Copa America Centenario as one of the favourites, following an impressive showing at the World Cup two years ago.
They showed no signs of nerves as they rampantly dismissed hosts USA in their opener.
And the 2001 Copa America winners flew out of the blocks in their second encounter, taking the lead as early as the 12th minute.
Pekerman's line-up included players from Italy's heavyweight trio Juventus, Inter and AC Milan.
And it was Rossoneri frontman, Carlos Bacca who opened the scoring.
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James found the former Sevilla man from a corner and he rose above Miguel Samudio to send a header into the back of the net.
Both sides were up for the fight at California's Rose Bowl — and Colombia defender Jeison Murillo was involved in a full-bloodied clashed of heads with Paraguay stopper, Justo Villar.
James doubled his side's lead with a lovely goal on the half hour.
Bacca took on two players before laying it off to Edwin Cardona, who played in the Real Madrid man to place the ball past Villa with his left-foot.
The goal appeared to signal a routine victory but there was a warning sign just four minutes later as Paraguay saw a goal chalked off.
Ramon Diaz's men were a different team in the second-half, and Colombia couldn't get to grips with their opponents.
Ospina was forced to make super save on 62 minutes to tip a header wide.
Paraguay remained on top, but were almost caught out when only an offside flag denied Bacca a second on 70 minutes.
Yet, just two minutes later, it was game on.
The ball fell to Victor Ayala, who was about 25 yards from goal, and the Paraguay ace smashed the ball into the top corner to score his first-ever international strike and set up a grand stand finish.
Ospina was forced into another smart save 15 minutes from time as it was all hands on deck for Pekerman's side.
Paraguay saw Oscar Romero sent off late on for two bookable offences.
Colombia held on to their lead, and proceed to the knockout phase.
While Paraguay will face the USA in what will effectively be a play-off to see who joins Pekerman's side in the next round.