Colombia Vs. Uruguay Recap And Highlights: Brilliant Rodríguez Shoots Colombia Into Quarterfinals [VIDEO]

It was the “Bite Heard ‘Round The World” that was the talking point before the Round-of-16 matchup between Colombia and Uruguay. But “La Celeste” would have to put that behind them if they wanted to have a chance of advancement as they faced a Colombian team that looked very dangerous in the group stage.

The Dutch ref looked to have his work cut out for him from the start, as both teams made it very clear early on that they were going to try to establish their physical dominance on the match. Colombia came out holding more of the possession, as Uruguay looked like they were going to sit back and counter when given the chance.

The Uruguayans began to establish themselves more and more around the 10’ mark holding the ball well when they took possession. As the half wore on neither team was able to muster up any real chances.

That was until James Rodríguez gave the Colombians the lead on 27’. It was an unbelievable strike from the young superstar that could be one of the goals of the tournament. He took the ball well off his chest from about 27-yards out only to volley it off the bar and into the net. This kid just continues to make a name for himself as his stock continues to grow exponentially.

Uruguay had a huge chance five minutes later to even the score as they were awarded a free-kick from about 30-yards out, but Edinson Cavani’s shot went just over the cross bar. The game was really picking up pace and becoming more physical at this point. But after forty-five minutes the only difference in the game was the magic moment from the 22-year old AS Monaco midfielder. Uruguay was holding their own in the half, but they lacked creativity in the final third. After the first forty-five, the score was 1-0 Colombia.

Four minutes into the second half, James Rodriguez scored again. This time it was a simple tap in as Cuadrado perfectly headed the ball across the 6-yard box for the waiting Monaco striker. It really seems like this kid could do no wrong at this point. What an unbelievable start for the Colombians as the task of coming back from 2-0 down seemed to be getting harder by the moment for Uruguay.

Jose Pekerman needed to make some changes, and he did on 53’. One of those changes was Diego Forlan, as he likely finished his international career after 112 caps for his country. Christian Rodríguez almost brought one back from Uruguay with his shot from 30-yards out a few minutes later, but Colombia’s Ospina did well to push the ball wide.

It was the first time in the second half that Uruguay had come close to scoring a goal. The second goal from Rodriguez just looked to deflate the Uruguayans rather than inspire them. They did hold more possession in the second half as Colombia began to sit back, but none of their moves coming forward looked like it carried any real danger.

The biggest opportunity for the Uruguayans came on 79’ as the ball somehow fell to an oncoming Pereira, only to have his shot from the right side of the 6-yard box hit the oncoming Ospina in the stomach. The Uruguayans were getting closer around the 85’ as Cavani almost got one back only to have Ospina once again deny them a goal. But time was not on their side as their push to score came too little to late.

At the end of ninety minutes, it was the master-class of James Rodríguez that was the difference. Two goals from the young Colombian will see the Colombians face Brazil next Friday. It will be the match of the tournament as the Colombians will surely give the hosts a run for their money.