Jackson Martinez scored twice as Colombia beat Japan 4-1 to end their World Cup Group C campaign with a perfect three wins and boot the Asian champions out of the tournament.
The match made World Cup history when Farid Mondragon beat Roger Milla’s record as the oldest player at any finals tournament. The goalkeeper came on as a substitute for the last six minutes at the age of 43 years and three days.
Click here to visit The National’s World Cup 2014 landing page
Martinez’s two second-half goals broke Japanese hearts after the Blue Samurai had equalised on the stroke of half-time to keep their hopes alive in Cuiaba.
Colombian fans decked out in yellow turned the stadium into a home fixture, hugely outnumbering their Japanese counterparts as coach Jose Pekerman made eight changes to his starting line-up.
The new-look team started brightly but once Japan settled they enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession, with Shinji Kagawa – restored to the starting XI – and Keisuke Honda probing for an opening.
Colombia took the lead against the run of play when Adrian Ramos was upended by Yasuyuki Konna as he burst into the penalty area, earning the defender a booking.
Juan Cuadrado converted from the spot in the 17th minute to put Colombia 1-0 in front.
Japan, criticised for their toothless display against Greece in their previous match, pressed for an equaliser. Kagawa forced a smart save from David Ospina and Honda went close from a free-kick.
Their efforts were eventually rewarded when Shinji Okazaki scored with an impressive diving header from Honda’s teasing left-footed cross.
But Japan knew despite their efforts they were still dependent on the other match in Group C, in which Greece were playing Ivory Coast.
Pekerman brought on Carlos Carbonero and James Rodriguez to replace Cuadrado and Juan Quintero at the start of the second half.
Monaco forward Rodriguez, who has shone in Brazil in the absence of his club team-mate Radamel Falcao, immediately looked dangerous and after 10 minutes helped Martinez fire Colombia in front.
As the game became stretched, Kagawa and Honda tried their luck from distance and Yoshito Okubo blazed over from close range.
News filtered through that Ivory Coast had equalised against Greece, making Japan’s task even harder but still they pressed for their own breakthrough, with Alberto Zaccheroni making changes in the search for a goal.
But with just eight minutes to go of normal time Martinez kept his composure in the box after a rapid break, firing past Eiji Kawashima for his second goal.
To roars from the Colombian fans Pekerman brought on veteran goalkeeper Mondragon, who last appeared at the finals 16 years ago.
He surpassed Cameroon’s Milla, who played at 42 years and 39 days, but Mondragon is now set to hang up his gloves.
His night was spoiled when Rodriguez burst into the box with seconds to go, producing a deft left-footed chip over the goalkeeper to seal an emphatic win.
Colombia, ranked eighth by Fifa, are making their first appearance in the World Cup finals since 1998. Their last-16 showing in Italy in 1990 was the only other time they have made it out of the group stage.
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Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
UPI facts
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Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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SERIE A FIXTURES
Friday (UAE kick-off times)
Sassuolo v Bologna (11.45pm)
Saturday
Brescia v Torino (6pm)
Inter Milan v Verona (9pm)
Napoli v Genoa (11.45pm)
Sunday
Cagliari v Verona (3.30pm)
Udinese v SPAL (6pm)
Sampdoria v Atalanta (6pm)
Lazio v Lecce (6pm)
Parma v Roma (9pm)
Juventus v Milan (11.45pm)
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre V6
Power: 295hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 355Nm at 5,200rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
Price: Dh179,999-plus
On sale: now
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Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
New schools in Dubai
Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAlmouneer%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dr%20Noha%20Khater%20and%20Rania%20Kadry%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEgypt%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E120%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBootstrapped%2C%20with%20support%20from%20Insead%20and%20Egyptian%20government%2C%20seed%20round%20of%20%3Cbr%3E%243.6%20million%20led%20by%20Global%20Ventures%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A