LIMA, Peru, JUNE 4 (AP/UNB) - James Rodriguez scored in the 52nd minute to lift visiting Colombia to a 1-0 victory over Peru in South American World Cup qualifying on Sunday.

Rodriguez capitalized on a defending mistake in the area and slotted home a shot from eight meters (yards).

The victory improved Colombia to seven points from four matches in the first official game under Argentine coach Jose Pekerman.

Argentina leads qualifying with 10 points in five matches. Chile has nine in five, Uruguay has eight in four and Venezuela has eight from five in a very closely contested qualifying tournament for the 2014 World Cup.