Colombia maintained South America´s strong start to the World Cup on Thursday, downing the Ivory Coast 2-1 to stay on course for a place in the last 16.A day after Chile eliminated defending champions Spain, Colombia produced a fine attacking display to down the powerful Ivorians in Group C.
Second-half goals from Monaco starlet James Rodriguez and Juan Quintero fired Colombia into a 2-0 lead before Roma striker Gervinho pulled one back at Brasilia´s National Stadium.
Colombia, making their first appearance at the World Cup since 1998, could seal their second round berth later Thursday if the result of Japan´s match with Greece goes their way.
