BRASILIA, June 19 (Xinhua) - Colombia beat Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 in their World Cup Group C match here on Thursday.

Colombia, who defeated Greece 3-0 in their opening match, are now favored to enter the last 16.

James Rodriguez and Juan Fernando Quintero gave Colomiba a 2-0 lead through goals in the 64th and 70th minute. Gervinho made it 2-1 for Cote d'Ivoire with a superb individual goal.

Colombia, making their first appearance at the finals since 1998, will qualify for the second round if the match later on Thursday between Japan and Greece ends in a draw.

Cote d'Ivoire, who beat Japan 2-1 in the first match, are still to qulify for the knockout stage. They will meet Greece in the last match.