Colombia secured their place in the Copa America semi-finals with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Panama on Saturday, setting up a clash with either Brazil or Uruguay in the last four.

James Rodriguez was instrumental once again for Colombia, contributing two assists and scoring a penalty in a dominant performance against Panama.

Colombia took the lead early in the eighth minute when Jhon Cordoba scored a powerful header from a corner delivered by James Rodriguez. Just seven minutes later, Rodriguez himself converted a penalty after Jhon Arias was fouled in the box by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.

Panama tried to claw back into the game and came close when Roderick Miller hit the post with a header from an Eric Davis cross. However, Colombia extended their lead before halftime as Rodriguez executed a quick free-kick from his own half, finding Luis Diaz who scored with a delightful chip over the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

In the second half, Colombia maintained control and added a fourth goal in the 70th minute, courtesy of a powerful long-range strike by Richard Rios. The goal came after a potential penalty call for Colombia was waved off, allowing Rios to capitalize on the loose ball and score.

As the match approached its conclusion, Panama's woes deepened when Jose Cordoba fouled Santiago Arias in the box in stoppage time. With Rodriguez already substituted, Miguel Borja stepped up to convert the penalty, sealing Colombia's comprehensive 5-0 victory.

Colombia will now prepare to face the winner of the Brazil vs. Uruguay quarter-final in the semi-finals, which will take place in Charlotte on Wednesday. Meanwhile, in the other semi-final on Tuesday in New Jersey, world champions Argentina will square off against surprise package Canada.