Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez inspired Colombia to a 2-1 win over Paraguay ©Getty Images

Colombia became the first team to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa América Centenario as Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez inspired them to a 2-1 win over Paraguay at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.

In the other match to take place today, the United States kept their dream of reaching the last eight alive as they earned a dominant 4-0 victory over Costa Rica at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Rodriguez, one of the stars of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, set up striker Carlos Bacca for Colmbia's opening goal after just 12 minutes.

The 24-year-old, who had been struggling with a shoulder injury in the build-up to the Group A clash, then doubled his side’s lead on the half hour mark as he received a pass from Edwin Cardona before finding the far corner with a crisp finish.

Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina, who plays his club football for English Premier League club Arsenal, was in fine form throughout but couldn’t prevent Victor Ayala from halving the deficit 19 minutes from time as he unleashed an unstoppable strike which flew into the net.

Paraguay’s pursuit of an equaliser suffered a blow in the closing stages as Oscar Romero was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence and they were unable to find a way past Ospina.

The result handed Colombia, who last won the competition in 2001, their second consecutive victory and guaranteed them a spot in the last eight.

The United States kept their pursuit of a place in the quarter-finals alive by beating Costa Rica 4-0
The United States kept their pursuit of a place in the quarter-finals alive by beating Costa Rica 4-0 ©Getty Images

Eager to bounce back from their defeat to the Colombians in their opener, the US were in ruthless form and found themselves 3-0 up at half-time against 2014 World Cup quarter-finalists Costa Rica.

Clint Dempsey broke the deadlock six minutes in as he converted from the penalty spot after Cristian Gamboa was adjudged to have fouled Bobby Wood in the area.

Jermaine Jones added a second following good work from Dempsey before Wood got in on the act, arrowing a low drive into the bottom corner from 15 yards out.

The Costa Ricans put in an improved display after the restart and struck the post through Bryan Ruiz, before Substitute Graham Zusi inflicted more misery by scoring a fourth in the dying embers of the contest.

“It was important for us to get off to an early start," said Dempsey.

“Once the second went in and the third we got into a bit of a rhythm."