Yet, for all the feel-good praise, US soccer appears to have a long road ahead in Klinsmann’s fifth season in charge. Despite exceeding Colombia by over 20 percent in possession, the US were unable to skate by the first half without conceding another goal. He never seemed to err with the ball on his feet and grew in stature as the game wore on.
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Over the first few minutes of the game, the US looked like it could keep a lid on Colombia. The ref will call what he’s gonna call and Yedlin had to play his game.
In the first match of Copa America Centenario, the U.S. Men’s National team tried to get a positive result against a very strong Colombia team but couldn’t compete against James Rodriguez and co.
The U.S. knocked on the door 15 minutes into the second half when a Dempsey header had to be cleared off the line by Sebastian Perez on a corner from Michael Bradley.
Try as the Americans might, the game was up and the only thing sparing them from a heavier scoreline was Carlos Bacca hitting the crossbar instead of the back of the net on 77 minutes with an effort that looked goalbound. It would also be helpful if Colombia sweeps the group and takes a full nine points. Three huge points and plenty of momentum are on the line as both teams hope to get a leg up in qualifying for the knockout stages after this one. Colombia let the US have the ball but clogged up the middle of the pitch, forcing the usa into an uncomfortable possession game that saw much of the passing go to waste. Colombia has too much talent for the US and will control the ball and create chance after chance as it marches to victory in the opener. And second place from Group A plays first place from Group B in the quarterfinals, which would likely be Brazil.
As things look, the US is considerably further away from being competitive with the world’s best than it was at the time of its round of 16 exit in the World Cup two summers ago.
Dempsey drew a series of fouls a few yards outside the Colombian penalty area but none of the ensuing free kicks came close.
“In the first half there were some good moments”. The players constantly ran into one another, taking away their space and ultimately hindering their own progress. The U.S., despite enjoying the majority of possession failed to provide the intensity or sharpness to match their coach’s bold pre-tournament words. The sizeable contingent of yellow-clad Colombia fans-they seemed to outnumber USA fans-erupted in cheers.
This was supposed to be a banner night for the home side.
Colombia, ranked No.3, is certainly one of those, and it showed, despite Klinsmann’s words of optimism at the end of a night that deserved none.
José Pekerman’s side, quarterfinalists at the last World Cup, was sure enough of its ability to handle an attack led by 33-year-old Dempsey.
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But the USA were shocked a few minutes later. He used all three of his substitutes, bringing on Darlington Nagbe for Jermaine Jones and Christian Pulisic for Bobby Wood in the 66th minute and Graham Zusi for Alejandro Bedoya in the 86th.
