A standout volley from James Rodriguez remains the difference at the Maracana, with Colombia holding a 1-0 half-time lead over Uruguay in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Colombia were the first to threaten in a tame first half, with Juan Zuniga making use of Jackson Martinez's through ball, only to smash his effort straight at the keeper from distance.

With both sides defending resolutely, chances were hard to come by in the opening period, however Rodriguez made his mark in the 28th minute as he took the ball down on his chest before dispatching a left-footed volley into the top corner of goal.

Edinson Cavani looked to make use of one of Uruguay's few opportunities in the first half when he cannoned in a free kick from the edge of the area, though it was just a little too high as it went whistling over the crossbar.

Uruguay might have equalised just before the interval, but for David Ospina, who pulled off a strong save to keep out Alvaro Gonzalez's acute volley.