James Rodriguez gave Colombia the lead with a bullet header, before substitute Juan Quintero doubled the advantage and Gervinho struck late on to set up a tense finish.
Colombia 2-1 Ivory Coast
2014 FIFA World Cup
Group C
Estadio Nacional de Brasilia
Thursday 19 June 2014
Colombia should have taken the lead on 28 minutes when Teofilo Gutierrez was alone in front of Boubacar Barry's goal but he misjudged his footing and his stumbled effort rolled wide.
The African side hit back almost instantly when Serge Aurier raced forward from his right-back slot and and took aim with a rasping shot that David Ospina did well to save.
Juan Cuadrado, on the brink of the hour, took aim at the Ivory Coast goal only for Barry to tip the ball against the crossbar and away.
Howard Webb keeps Cheik Tiote and Mario Yepes in check
But Colombia refused to back down and Rodriguez gave them the opener when he headed home a venomous Cuadrado corner.
And they doubled their lead when Quintero struck after a rapid break following a dismal Ivory Coast corner.
The Elephants refused to lie down, however, and former Arsenal man Gervinho rifled home to reduce the deficit after a mazy solo run.
England's Howard Webb enjoyed a proficient tournament debut as referee, booking two Ivory Coast players in a lively encounter.
