But Jose Pekerman resisted calls to axe his star man and was rewarded when James netted in bizarre fashion for Colombia’s 100th goal under their Argentinian boss.
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Palmeiras defender Yerry Mina showed exactly why Barcelona want him, with a string of fine interceptions in the early stages to protect Arsenal stopper David Ospina.
And the visitors broke to strike on 20 minutes, scrambling home a sensational cross from the outside of Miguel Borja's boot.
If Colombia were lucky to have gone one up via James' back, there was little fortune about the second.
They toyed with Ecuador's midfield, which included an under-par Antonio Valencia, before a scooped pass sent James down the left to slide a low cross for Cuadrado to slot in to an empty net.
The on-loan Chelsea winger is enjoying life at JuventusGetty ImagesJames Rodriguez wheels away after giving Colombia the leadAP:Associated PressReal Madrid star Rodriguez got his side off to a flier against EcuadorReuters
If the sight of substitute Pablo Armero twerking in celebration was not alarming enough, Luis 'Kunti' Caicedo's tackle had viewers wincing with Seamus Coleman's leg snap still fresh in the mind.
The Ecuador defender lunged in on Abel Aguilar and earned himself a red card on the hour mark, which effectively ended the hosts' hopes just moments after ineffective Everton forward Enner Valencia had been hooked.
An Ecuador die-hard nicknamed El Colo prepares for kick-offGetty ImagesColombia fans ask James Rodriguez for his shirtGetty Images
After Argentina's shock loss to Bolivia, Colombia move up to second and four points clear of Ecuador in Conmebol qualifying - with Uruguay facing Peru later.
The top four sides qualify for Russia 2018, with the fifth-placed nation facing a play-off with an Oceanic side.
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