Colombia late show sinks Socceroos
James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz and Jefferson Lerma were on target as Colombia's 17-minute burst late in the second half confirmed a 3-0 victory over Australia in a friendly.
The contest appeared set to finish goalless until Rodriguez converted a 76th-minute penalty after Callum Elder's foul on Santiago Arias opened the floodgates at Citi Field.
Colombia started quickly and only a fine save from Paul Izzo to deny Diaz kept the game level, with the in-form Bayern Munich forward going close again before the break.
Izzo was again called into action shortly after the restart to tip Johan Mojica's shot over the crossbar, but Colombia's pressure eventually told with the clock ticking down.
A combination of Elder and Cameron Burgess brought down Arias inside the box, with Rodriguez sending Izzo the wrong way from 12 yards for his 31st international goal.
Colombia doubled its lead a minute from time when Camilo Vargas's long punt forward was not dealt with by the Australia defence, allowing Diaz to steal in and tap home.
The victory was complete in the third minute of second-half stoppage time, with Rodriguez's inviting corner kick prodded into the net by Jefferson Lerma after the Crystal Palace midfielder had seen his initial header repelled by Izzo.































