WORLD CUP: Colombia on verge of knockout stage berth with 2-1 win

BRASILIA, Brazil – Colombia scored twice in six minutes in a lively second half to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 at the World Cup on Thursday and move to the brink of the knockout stage.

James Rodriguez’s powerful header from a corner in the 64th minute was quickly followed by a low finish by substitute Juan Quintero, securing the South Americans’ second straight win in Group C in front of a partisan pro-Colombian crowd.

SEE MORE: Compete group stage standings and scores 

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Gervinho reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute with a superb run and shot inside the near post, but the Ivory Coast could not find an equalizer despite a strong finish.

A point against Japan in its third game will definitely seal qualification for Colombia but it could be secured before that, depending on the result of Japan-Greece later Thursday.