s side-footed finish gave Colombia breathing

BRASILIA, Brazil -- Starved of the World Cup action for 16 years, Colombia -- and its fanatical travelling supporters -- are certainly making the most of being back on footballs biggest stage. Driven on by a partisan pro-Colombian crowd that turned the Estadio Nacional into a sea of yellow, the South Americans scored through James Rodriguez and substitute Juan Quintero in a devastating six-minute spell in the second half to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 on Thursday. A second victory in Group C, following a 3-0 win over Greece, leaves Colombia on the verge of qualifying for a place in the last 16. Since 1998, every team that has earned six points in the group stage has advanced. "We have had two wins with players who are playing their first World Cup," Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said. "Were happy to have defeated such a good opponent. We have a lot of young players, and this is going to help them grow." Known for his midfield artistry, playmaker Rodriguez showed his prowess in the air by getting clear of Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba -- again only used as a substitute -- at a corner to head in Colombias opener in the 64th minute, lighting up a disappointing match. The celebrations had hardly died down among the vast hordes of Colombia supporters by the time a defensive mistake by Ivory Coast midfielder Serey Die allowed Teofilo Gutierrez to play in Quintero, and the midfielder slotted home a low finish. Ivory Coast replied with a brilliant 73rd-minute solo goal by Gervinho, his second of the World Cup, but couldnt find a second despite a strong finish. The Ivorians remain on three points after their 2-1 opening win over Japan. Instead of Radamel Falcao, the countrys star striker who was ruled out through injury before the tournament, the most important factor in Colombias march through the group stage has arguably been its amazing support. With supporters wearing yellow shirts dominating the stadium, it was effectively an away game for the Ivorians. "It was extraordinary," Rodriguez said, "it was very much in our favour that Colombia could win." The crowd roared with relief at the final whistle, with Drogbas introduction in the 60th minute helping pep up Ivory Coasts attack that had previously looked rudderless with Wilfried Bony as the lone striker. "I must say that we didnt deserve to lose," Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi said. "It was very experienced Colombia team who waited for us to make mistakes." The Ivorians may still need to beat Greece in their last group game to reach the knockout stage for the first time at a World Cup. Drogba may now start that match but Lamouchi will also be looking for more from the squads top player, Yaya Toure, who seems like a shadow of the player who starred for Manchester City in the English Premier League last season. There was no mistaking the passion of the Ivory Coast lineup -- Die was in tears during the national anthem -- but the teams undoubted attacking quality has been lacking so far at this World Cup and Colombia looked more threatening going forward. The best chance of a cagey first half was spurned by Gutierrez, who miscued a volley with the goal at his mercy after being perfectly set up by Rodriguezs left-wing cross in the 28th. Otherwise, the highlight of the first 45 minutes came when a large inflatable ball bounced onto the playing surface, causing a brief stoppage. Tricky winger Juan Cuadrado struck the bar with a fierce, angled shot before teammate Rodriguez, named man of the match, broke the deadlock with the kind of header that Drogba -- the player supposed to be marking the Monaco playmaker -- has been used to delivering. Quinteros side-footed finish gave Colombia breathing space, meaning that Gervinhos goal -- he jinked through two defenders, beat another and shot inside goalkeeper David Ospinas near post -- proved to be just a consolation. Yeezy Boost 350 France .Y. -- As if the worst start in franchise history isnt bad enough, Buffalo Sabres President Ted Black braced his teams win-starved fans for potentially more tough times. Adidas Yeezy Acheter En Ligne . The Senators will put the busy off-season and training camp behind them when they open their regular season on the road. They kick things off Friday against the Buffalo Sabres and then head to Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs on Saturday. http://www.siteyeezypascher.fr/basket-nmd-pas-cher-chine.html . After making his All-Star debut in Fridays Rising Stars Challenge, the Raptors sophomore centre wont be sticking around for the duration of the weekends festivities, thinking about the big picture instead. Ultra Boost Femme Solde . The first baseman hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning to lead the Mets to a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Adidas Yeezy Noir Pas Cher .com) - The Oakland Athletics needed to rely on a lot of young pitchers to win an American League West title this season.SEATTLE -- Unhappy with the lack of clarity on his future, Seattle Mariners manager Eric Wedge popped off on Wednesday saying he feels like hes left "hanging out there" by the organization regarding his status for 2014. Wedges comments were his first regarding his contract which expires after this season. He originally signed a three-year deal to become Seattles manager in 2010 and he indicated theres been no word given whether hell receive a new deal. "Its tough. I feel like Im hanging out there, thats the reality of it," Wedge said. "But Im coming here and doing my job. You know how passionate I am about this team, and these players in particular, and this organization. The unfortunate part about how its being handled is the effect it has on the players. Thats why were all here, is for the players." Seattle is about to conclude a fourth straight losing season and a step back from the incremental progress the Mariners showed between Year 1 and 2 with Wedge in charge. Wedges season was interrupted in July when he suffered a mild stroke and missed a month and the Mariners have stumbled down the stretch since he returned to manage the club in late August. The Mariners are 10-22 since Wedge returned on Aug. 23. "Im a strong man, and Im going to be fine either way. But Id like to see this thing through," Wedge said. "Weve done a lot of developing with a lot of young players over three years. Id like to be here to lead them and turn the corner." Wedges comments came a day after the team confirmed general manager Jack Zduriencik would return for 2014. Wedge said he believed some conversations regarding his future would take place between Wednesday and the end of the regular season on Sunday but was unsure. Wedge was brought in to replace Don Wakamatsu -- who was fired during the 2010 season -- because of the track record he bbuilt in Cleveland taking the Indians through a rebuilding process and nearly leading them to the World Series.ddddddddddddBut the rebuilding never seemed to end in Seattle with a constant influx of young prospects from the minors being called up and some veterans failing to meet expectations. Wedge is 211-271 in his three seasons as Seattles manager. Seattle went from 67 wins in 2011 to 75 last season, but wont match that total this year. "We havent taken a step back. Its just the fact we keep bringing up kids. Youre going to continue to make mistakes up here while youre learning," Wedge said. "The forward part of it is we have a lot of kids that are moving forward, and that should pay off for us. But youre going to have to still add to that. Thats just the way it works." Seattle was on the fringes of contention in July, winning eight straight games when Wedge fell ill. He was helped off the field during batting practice on July 22 and getting rushed to a nearby hospital. He was diagnosed with a mild stroke the next day and became a month-long recovery process that called for changes in his diet, exercise and dealing with the stress of his occupation. Robby Thompson filled in while Wedge was out and Seattle went 13-15 during the stretch. Wedge said using his health as the reason not to bring him back would be unfair. "My best managing days are ahead of me whether its here or somewhere else. I want to be here. I moved my family out here. Im committed to the community. Im all in," he said. "I havent done anything wrong except for come out here and coach up these kids and teach them how to play at the big league level. Thats what I do. I dont bitch about anything. Im here to help these kids become good solid big league players and hopefully solid citizens in Seattle. So if that is not enough for them, then so be it." ' ' '