Colombia advances to quarter-finals with win over Paraguay

James Rodriguez scored one goal and provided the assist on another as Colombia squeaked out a 2-1 win over Paraguay, moving back into first place in Group A and qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Copa America Centenario.

With plenty of support in the stands at the Rose Bowl, the Real Madrid man was the star on the night, picking out Carlos Bacca off a corner kick early in the first half, then added a second with a perfectly-placed strike on the half-hour mark.

Paraguay looked to have cut the lead in half moments later but the goal was adjudged offside. However, Victor Ayala found the back of the net with 20 minutes to go, striking the ball at goal from distance and beating goalkeeper David Ospina, good for his first international goal.

Oscar Romero picked up a red card late in the match, too.

With the win, Los Cafeteros reclaim the top spot in Group A, which was temporarily occupied by the United States following the host side's 4-0 win over Costa Rica earlier in the day, and guarantees its spot in the final eight knock-out stage, since neither Paraguay nor Costa Rica can reach the six-point mark.