Colombia beat Ivory Coast 2-1 to secure qualification to the knockout rounds

Colombia players celebrate their victory

Brasilia, June 20 (IANS) Colombia moved a step closer to securing a spot in the last-16, beating Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup Group C match at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia here Thursday.

Colombia, who defeated Greece 3-0 in their opening match, are now favourites to progress through to the next round, reports Xinhua.

James Rodriguez and Juan Fernando Quintero gave Colomiba a 2-0 lead through goals in the 64th and 70th minute. Gervinho brought the African nation back in the match with a superb individual effort in the 73rd minute.

Colombia, making their first appearance at the finals since 1998, will qualify for the second round if the match later Thursday between Japan and Greece ends in a draw.

Cote d'Ivoire, who beat Japan 2-1 in the first match, still have a chance to qualify if the beat Greece in their last match.