It was a less than ideal start to the Copa America Tournament for United States Men’s National team, falling 2-0 to Colombia on Friday night in front of a sold out Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Advertisement
Colombia wrecked the United States’ hopes of a winning start to the Copa America Centenario as goals from James Rodriguez and Cristian Zapata gave the South Americans a comfortable 2-0 victory here Friday.
The Americans’ performance was far off what it needs to be in order to be competitive in this tournament, and to show that a Jurgen Klinsmann-led team can show some fire in a big spot.
Still, they tried to put a positive spin on their efforts and said they were happy with how they successfully controlled possession against the 2014 World Cup quarter-finalists. In their 4-2-3-1 formation, similar to Roma’s setup, Colombia were set to counter. “But the players will take a lot out of this game”. “Against a quality team, if you don’t score a goal to get back in the game and equalise it’s tough”, said U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann. And the US, who could not create any really good chances inside the box in the run of play, who wasted several free kicks in the first half by blasting them into the wall, didn’t force Colombia to really sweat. The Colombians took the lead after only eight minutes, when poor marking at a set-piece delivered a chance to Zapata.
Geoff Cameron held onto the Colombian in the chaos of moving bodies just as a corner kick came sailing his way. The USA struggled to build any sort of momentum after that, with Colombia flooding midfield and pressing the Americans relentlessly. Yeah I know, ‘What about James?’ James Rodriguez is Colombia’s top player, but Martinez has star potential and knows how to do damage against the U.S. The 21-year-old Racing striker is inexperienced but has good size and is quick and clinical. A duo of Luis Tejada and Blas Perez has produced 81 goals and has the big match experience to go with it. Felipe Baloy and Luis Henriquez are also two solid defenders who will help keep Panama competitive at the other end of the field. The Americans finally registered its first meaningful shot in the 36th minute on Clint Dempsey’s left-footed laser that sailed just wide of the left post.
In 42′ minute new shock for the hosts.
Advertisement
That minute Host was shattered when the Mexican Referee Robert Garcia found Yedlin Guilty to having flicked hand to block Farid Diaz’s Cross. Rodriguez coolly slotted it home to extend the lead to two. Kept Bacca mostly quiet and broke up several Colombia attacks with some vital interventions. Although the USA kept a handle on Colombia for the bulk of the match, Los Cafeteros capitalized on American mistakes in key moments to get a fairly simple victory.
