Colombia holds off Paraguay despite Ayala golazo, advances in Copa

Colombia is the first team to clinch a place in the Copa America knockout stage after a second straight win.

Colombia is the first team through to the knockout stage of Copa America Centenario after a 2-1 win over Paraguay on Tuesday night at the Rose Bowl. 

Despite nursing a shoulder injury suffered in a 2-0 in over the United States on Friday, James Rodriguez started and starred for Los Cafeteros. His 12th-minute corner kick found Carlos Bacca for the opening goal, and his 30th-minute strike proved to be the game-winning goal. David Ospina came through with a pair of acrobatic saves, though there was nothing he could do about Victor Ayala's 71st-minute dipping rocket that got Paraguay on the board.

Paraguay's Oscar Romero received yellow cards in the 79th and 81st minutes, though, reducing Paraguay to 10 men and ensuring he'd miss Saturday's group finale against the USA. Colombia held on, and the six points cements a place in the quarterfinals.

Key highlights from the match are below:

Carlos Bacca heads home off the corner kick from James Rodriguez to put Colombia in front. #COLvPAR #MyCopaColors https://t.co/zjtUaK7j8f

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 8, 2016

James Rodriguez nets his 2nd #CopaAmerica Centenario goal to give Colombia a 2-goal cushion. #COLvPAR #MyCopaColors https://t.co/qWbfLc8VWB

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 8, 2016

Okay, David Ospina. We get it. 🔥🔥🔥 #COLvPAR #MyCopaColors https://t.co/eNxhJc4KrO

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 8, 2016

Take a bow, Victor Ayala. #COLvPAR #MyCopaColors https://t.co/kJCuVWjsTf

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 8, 2016

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Colombia closes Group A play against Costa Rica, while Paraguay does the same against the USA on June 11.