Rodriguez shines as Colombia thrash Panama to secure Copa América semi-final spot

This came after a trio of goals in the first half at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, led to a 5-0 victory over Panama. Panama, on the other hand, have failed to win in 15 matches against Los Cafeteros.

Colombia ended their 10-match winning streak with a commendable draw against Brazil in the Group Stage. However, they quickly found themselves in a winning position after eight minutes tonight. James Rodriguez delivered a dangerous corner into the box, with Jhon Cordoba heading home from six yards.

Only seven minutes later, Colombia were awarded a penalty after Jhon Arias was brought down in the box. Rodriguez successfully converted the spot-kick to score his first international goal since October.

Despite a scare from a close effort by Roderick Miller off a Panamanian free-kick, Colombia regained control. Rodriguez sealed the victory by setting up Luis Diaz for a goal just before half-time.

Panama entered the second half with nothing to lose, but found themselves on the defensive.

Despite this, the closest chance of the half came from Richard Rios' deflected shot from a free-kick routine. The game seemed to be slowing down until Daniel Munoz went down on the edge of the box.

As Colombia appealed for a foul, Rios seized the opportunity and scored a brilliant 25-yard strike. In injury time, a reckless challenge by Jose Cordoba on Santiago Arias resulted in a second penalty for Colombia, converted by Miguel Borja.

The 2001 champions now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face Uruguay or Brazil. Panama's journey in their first Copa América knockout fixture comes to an end, concluding their two-match winning streak.