Copa America 2016: Colombia progress to knockout stages; USA thrash Costa Rica

USA won a penalty in the eight minute of the game, and there was no looking back from there for the hosts.

Colombia became the first team to qualify for the knockout stages of the Copa America 2016, beating Paraguay 2-0. It was yet another clinical display from the World Cup 2014 quarter-finalists. Carlos Bacca opened the scoring with a free header at the back post; Paraguay’s defense was lackadaisical. Then came the clincher in the second half as James Rodriguez continued to prove his mettle in the tournament. The 2011 finalists got one back but it was late in the day. The Colombians mean business and look like a team who can go all the way. Also Catch: Points Table and Results summary of Copa America 2016

USA and Jurgen Klinsmann were under immense pressure to get a result to ensure progress to the knockout stages of the tournament. Pressure was clearly telling on the hosts and it was Costa Rica who were cranking up the pressure at the starting exchanges of the game. USA won a penalty in the eight minute of the game, and there was no looking back from there; Clint Dempsey converted from the spot. The North American giants looked like a different side from thereon and soon made it two. Dempsey was yet again excellent as he laid the ball to Jermaine Jones, who thumped a shot from outside the box and into the net.

USA’s cutting edge football only got better as the half progressed. Michael Bradley found Bobby Wood in the box with a sumptuous ball. The striker, who plies his trade in the Bundesliga made no mistake and USA were in total command at half-time. As for Costa Rica, they were torn apart on the counter attack despite looking the better team on the ball. Klinsmann’s side focussed on protecting their lead in the second half. They shut shop and thwarted the Costa Rican attack, which now looked bereft of energy and creativity. Towards the closing stages of the game, Graham Zusi broke through and finished it to make it four. USA had temporarily topped their group before the Colombians yet again showed that they mean business in this tournament.