Second-half substitute Graham Zusi completed the scoreline in the 87th minute, dispossessing defender Francisco Calvo on the left and dribbling into the box, before finding the back of the net with his left foot from 13-yards out.
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Colombia, now with two victories out of two matches and only more game one to go, can no longer be stopped from going to the quarter final. “It’s clear to me that we had a great first half, and Paraguay had a great second half”. The Colombians have already earned six points, courtesy of two wins, and will face the Costa Ricans on Saturday in Houston.
The second half witnessed a little improvement from Costa Rica but they seldom threatened Brad Guzan’s goal.
Dempsey, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood scored in the first half and substitute Graham Zusi added another goal in the 87th minute as the US moved into prime position to grab one of two spots in the knockout round coming out of Group A in South America’s championship.
The US trounced Costa Rica on Tuesday (Photo credit: Gary Duncan).
It got even better for the host nation four minutes late when Wood made it three after a superb ball from Michael Bradley picked him out and he turned a defender before firing low past Patrick Pemberton.
Adidas is apologizing after misspelling Colombia in advertisements featuring the team in new jerseys for the Copa America tournament.
Clint Dempsey has been the United States’ best player through two games and was particularly potent in the win over Costa Rica.
In the Group A final match for the both teams, the United States find themselves in control of their own destiny ahead of their Group A finale against Paraguay. A draw and they need help, which they should most likely get from a Colombia side that’s been dominant through group stage so far.
“Here, for Colombia, I will play until I am crippled”, he said. If they finish in second (the most likely scenario) they’ll play at MetLife Stadium on June 17 against the victor of Group B. The win pushed them to the second spot of the group table, three points behind undefeated leaders Colombia, who are now assured of a spot in the knockouts.
-Costa Rica wins: USMNT advances if Costa Rica can not win by six or more, Costa Rica advances if they win by six or more.
A victory against Paraguay on Saturday night in Philadelphia and the Americans are through to the next round.
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“We have to be aware and must think game-by-game, but like a lot of people say, we always go out to win a title for Argentina, and hopefully it’s this one”, Otamendi added.
