28 June, 2014

COLOMBIA V URUGUAY

0' Another all-CONMEBOL match, as Uruguay looking to move on from the Suarez controversy in the final group match. Colombia putting up one of the stronger performances of any team in the group stages. The winner here gets Brasil in the quarterfinals, who escaped against Chile. Should be a tension filled match as these teams know eachother well. Both teams won at home in their qualifying matches against eachother, and their last matchup at the world cup ended in a 2-1 win for Uruguay in the group stages of the 1962 edition.

15' Well both sides coming out cautiously, not wanting to go down an early goal. Good Physical play from both sides

29' And its an absolutely sensational goal from Rodriguez to open the scoring here. He traps the ball with his chest and then volleys it home. Muslera getting a slight touch but it hits the underside of the crossbar and goes in. An absolutely great goal, seemingly from no where, and now Uruguay need to find goals and find them without Suarez on the pitch.

45' At half time still just the one goal. Uruguay with a few opportunities themselves, but unable to convert. And its that lack of finishing that we've seen from the Uruguayan side, with the exception of Suarez against England, that has plagued them to poorer results than they might have hoped for this tournament. They'll have to do better in the second half to move on, but Colombia look in control and perhaps even daunting opponents to face in the next round.

50' The beginning of the end for Uruguay, its another goal by Rodriguez, who now has 5 in this tournament, and at least 1 in each match thus far. Its a brilliant cross in after the switch of play thats headed right back into the front of goal from the far post and Muslera is caught at the post and Rodriguez finishes nicely. Strong play from the young Colombian, and Uruguay now in desperation mode.

75' Time running out now for the Uruguayans, although they are pouring on the attack. Colombia defending well, but the few chances Uruguay have created they haven't been able to finish. And perhaps it would be a different story line with Suarez on the pitch, as the attack is really lacking bite today, both literally and figuratively.

Final' The Colombians playing excellently here today, and earning a spot in the quarterfinals for the first time in their history. Uruguay have missed the attacking finish all tournament long. And Colombia have earned a date against hosts Brasil, and will look to pull off what Chile came so close to doing, and reach a World Cup semifinal for the first time. This is likely the last international appearance for Diego Forlan, last cup's golden ball winner.

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