Colombia send Japan out of FIFA World Cup

Cuiaba (Brazil), June 25 (IANS) Striker Jackson Martinez scored two goals in the second half as Colombia beat Japan 4-1 to top Group C with a perfect record at 2014 World Cup finals Tuesday.

Japan finished bottom of the group with only one point from three matches, reports Xinhua.

Farid Mondragan, the Colombian goalkeeper who came on as a substitute for the last six minutes of the match, became the oldest player playing in World Cup finals. Mondragan is 43 years and three days old. The previous record was held by Roger Milla of Cameroon.

Japan suffered the first blow at the 15th minute when Yasuyuki Konna tackled down Adrian Ramos and refree pedro Proenca awarded a penalty to the Colombian team.

Juan Cuadrado converted the penalty and gave Colombia a 1-0 lead.

Japan levelled the scoring at the 45th minute when German-based striker Shinji Okazaki beat the Colombian goalkeeper with a diving header.

But Martinez hit twice at the 55th and 82nd minutes before James sealed the 4-1 victory in stoppage time.

Colombia will play Uruguay in the round of 16 in Rio de Janeiro June 28 while Group C runners-up Greece will take on Group D winners Costa Rica in Recife June 29.