By Ciaran Coyle
Goals from Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez and Darwin Núñez were the difference as Uruguay came away with a convincing victory on match-day three in Barranquilla.
The hosts didn’t start the game well with some sloppy passes in midfield making it a cagey start for Carlos Queiroz’s side.
Five minutes into the game saw as a poor touch from Jefferson Lerma give Nahitan Nández a chance to set Cavani through who finished well to give his side the lead.
Colombia started to grow into the game and were the better side after the goal with James Rodriguez causing the majority of the problems for the Uruguay defence.
Colombia continued their momentum into the second half and nearly levelled the score with a minute gone as Juan Cuadrado’s cross was palmed away by Martin Campaña.
With 10 minutes gone in the second half, Uruguay were awarded a penalty as Rodriguez was dispossessed on the halfway line and Suarez played a ball up to Rodrigo Bentancur who was fouled. Luis Suarez sent David Ospina the wrong way to double Uruguay’s lead.
Embed from Getty ImagesWith just over 72 minutes on the clock, Nuñez fired a calculated shot from range which flew past the outstretched arm of Ospina to seal a comprehensive victory for Óscar Tabárez’ side.
Yerry Mina was sent off after committing a second bookable offence for a foul on Nuñez in stoppage time to compound a forgettable night for the hosts.
Uruguay move up to fourth in the World Cup qualifying table whilst Colombia remain sixth with four points to their name after three games.
