USA FINALLY kicks off its Copa America campaign against Colombia on June 3 at 9:30 p.m. EST at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Advertisement
Colombia got goals from Cristian Zapata and captain James Rodríguez in its opening match of the Copa América Centenario, beating the United States 2-0. “Obviously they, on the night, were ruthless in terms of their ability to know what the game was going to need, and again, close space and make things very hard and take chances when they came”.
Many were hoping that the match will be a fiercely fought match. Not against this worthy opponent.
The things went wrong from the start for US National Team. Christian Zapata scored at the 8′ minute to give Colombia a 1-0 lead early in the match.
A statement said that if a player receives two yellow cards in two games during the group stages and quarter final, they will be suspended for the following game, that is the semi finals.
Brad Guzan came to USA’s rescue after 22 minutes, as the Aston Villa shot-stopper produced a fine save to Cardona from inside area, after the Colombian managed to weave his way into the box.
Edwin Cardona’s deep corner was met first time on the volley by Zapata, with the 29-year-old defender’s composed effort finding the bottom corner of the U.S. net for the opening goal of the special 100th anniversary competition.
Yet, for all the feel-good praise, USA soccer appears to have a long road ahead in Klinsmann’s fifth season in charge.
The visitors started dominating over the hosts from the very beginning. And second place from Group A plays first place from Group B in the quarterfinals, which would likely be Brazil. The referee booked Bedoya in the 57th minute for unsporting behavior.
The Americans return to action on June 7 when they take on Costa Rica at Soldier Field in Chicago.
With the Copa America being staged outside of South America for the first time, there was plenty of hype surrounding the US but the host nation was left silenced as captain James Rodriguez and Cristian Zapata inspired Colombia in the Group A opener at Levi’s Stadium.
On the other hand, it was time for some more introspection for Jurgen Klinsmann and his American troops as they faltered on the big stage once again.
At that point, it seemed the USA could keep the match at 1-0 and scrap back an equalizer some time in the second half. They got another scoring opportunity in the 60th minute off a Michael Bradley corner kick, but Dempsey’s header was cleared off the line.
Two minutes later Dempsey curled a free kick past the wall forcing Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina into an acrobatic save.
Advertisement
Colombia, which lost to the United States in a stunning defeat during the 1994 World Cup, made sure the hosts didn’t enjoy another giant-killing effort. Colombia scored goals, and the US did not.
