BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) - Starved of World Cup action for 16 years, Colombia - and its fanatical traveling supporters - are certainly making the most of being back on football's 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, coupled with Greece's tie with Japan later in the day, earned Colombia a spot in the last 16.
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 Colombia's 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's Serey Die allowed Teofilo Gutierrez to play in to Quintero, and the midfielder slotted home a low finish.
Ivory Coast replied with a brilliant 73rd-minute solo goal by Gervinho, but couldn't find a second despite a strong finish.
Instead of Radamel Falcao, the country's star striker who was ruled out through injury before the tournament, the most important factor in Colombia's 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.
The crowd roared with relief at the final whistle, with Drogba's introduction in the 60th minute helping pep up Ivory Coast's attack.
There was no mistaking the passion of the Ivory Coast lineup - Die was in tears during the national anthem - but the team's undoubted attacking quality has been lacking so far.