BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Colombia qualified for the World Cup’s knockout stage, beating Ivory Coast 2-1 after scoring twice in a six-minute spell in the second half.

Driven on by a partisan pro-Colombian crowd inside the Estadio Nacional, the South Americans went ahead through James Rodriguez’s powerful header from a corner in the 64th minute before substitute Juan Quintero added a second on a break following a defensive error.

Colombia held on to its lead, despite a brilliant 73rd-minute goal by Gervinho, for a second straight win in Group C. With Japan and Greece drawing 0-0 later Thursday, Colombia is assured of finishing in the top two spots in Group C.

JAPAN 0, GREECE 0

NATAL, Brazil (AP) — Reduced to 10 men after captain Costas Katsouranis was sent off in the 38th minute with his second booking, Greece held on for a draw with Japan that kept both alive in Group C and sent rival Colombia through to the knockout round of the World Cup.

Both teams inserted new strikers in search of goals and a first victory, but ultimately the main objective was survival and both achieved that with one match left in group play. Japan would have been eliminated with a loss.

Once Katsouranis was sent off after a rough challenge on Makoto Hasebe, Greece withdrew into a defensive setup and held firm. Greece surrendered three goals in a loss to Colombia, but even short-handed was better organized against Japan and avoided any critical mistakes.

“My players were brilliant,” said Greece coach Fernando Santos. “They worked hard after the red card. Without the red card we probably would have won the game.”

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