Cote D’Ivoire’s hopes of progressing from the group stage or the ongoing World Cup in Brazil were dealt a blow after a 2-1 loss to Colombia in a Group C match in Brasilia.

Both nations had won their respective opening matches and knew a place in the second round would be all but sealed for the winner today.

With much at stake, the match was keenly contested but both sides failed to create clearcut chances, with the Ivorians shooting wayward and the Colombians fluffing their efforts on goal.

River Plate striker Teófilo Gutiérrez should have opened the scoring for Colombia on the half-hour mark when set up on goal by James Rodriguez at the end of a counterattack only for Gutiérrez to miskick his shot wide from six yards out.

Cote D’Ivoire’s best chance to score in the first half came via a long range effort from right back Serge Aurier that was saved by David Ospina in the Colombia goal.

The South Americans edged proceedings in the second half and came close to breaking the deadlock just before the hour mark only for Cuadrado to see his effort parried onto the crossbar by Ivorian keeper Barry.

Colombia however did break the deadlock five minutes later courtesy of James Rodriguez with a powerful header off a Cuadrado cornerkick for his second goal at the mundial.

Substitute Juan Quintero then made it 2-0 to Colombia in the 70th minute after Rodriguez dispossessed Ivorian midfielder Serey Die in midfield and found Gutiérrez who put Quintero through on goal.

Gervinho pulled one back for Cote D’Ivoire three minutes later with a brilliant solo effort and set up Salomon Kalou soon after but the substitute fired a tame effort at Ospina as Cote D’Ivoire failed to find an equaliser.

The 2-1 win gives Colombia six points from two matches while Cote D’Ivoire is second with three points ahead of the other Group C match between Japan and Greece; both seeking their first points of the World Cup in the match later tonight.

A win for Greece would seal Colombia’s place in the second round while a win for Japan would see all four nations still in with a chance of qualifying.