World Cup

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Attendance: 73,804

World Cup | Round of 16

Jun 28, 2014 at 9pm UK

Colombia
2-0
Uruguay

Rodriguez (28', 50')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Half-Time Report: First-half strike from Colombia's James Rodriguez the difference at the break

By Christopher Dodd, Reporter

Published: June 28 2014 | 21:49

Last updated: June 29 2014 | 02:21

Colombia hold a slender 1-0 lead over Uruguay in the last 16 of the World Cup, thanks to a world-class volley from James Rodriguez.

A standout volley from James Rodriguez remains the difference at the Maracana, with Colombia holding a 1-0 half-time lead over Uruguay in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Uruguay's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera fails to save Colombia's midfielder James Rodriguez' (R) shot during the Round of 16 football match between Colombia and Uruguay at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on Ju © Getty Images

Colombia were the first to threaten in a tame first half, with Juan Zuniga making use of Jackson Martinez's through ball, only to smash his effort straight at the keeper from distance.

With both sides defending resolutely, chances were hard to come by in the opening period, however Rodriguez made his mark in the 28th minute as he took the ball down on his chest before dispatching a left-footed volley into the top corner of goal.

James Rodriguez of Colombia celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil round of 16 match between Colombia and Uruguay at Maracana on June 28, 2014 © Getty Images

Edinson Cavani looked to make use of one of Uruguay's few opportunities in the first half when he cannoned in a free kick from the edge of the area, though it was just a little too high as it went whistling over the crossbar.

Uruguay might have equalised just before the interval, but for David Ospina, who pulled off a strong save to keep out Alvaro Gonzalez's acute volley.