In an eye-opening result, the United States Men’s Soccer team bounced back from a 2-0 loss to Colombia to beat Costa Rica 4-0 in their second match during Copa America Centenario.
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AC Milan striker Bacca headed Colombia into the lead in the 12th minute before Real Madrid star Rodriguez doubled the Colombians’ tally with a low shot on the half-hour mark. Zusi, who came on as a substitute for Wood, picked up an insurance goal in the 87th-minute to secure an important USA result.
Diaz believes the weather has not been considered in the scheduling of the Copa America after his side struggled in the conditions against Costa Rica.
Colombia fans will be hoping the injury doesn’t hold back Rodriguez at the Copa America, with the player on form against Paraguay, especially in the first half, and crucial to their chances of success at the tournament.
“We have 23 people in the selection for these type of situations, and we have to adapt.I think the boys have a certain level that they know they’re going to be able to manage, it’s an experience for us”, he said in a press conference. A win will secure passage to the knockout round, and a draw will get the job done unless Costa Rica delivers an unlikely blowout win over Colombia. The Americans take on Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday night.
In the second half, the US seemed content in protecting its lead and locked Costa Rica out of the game.
“We understand what’s at stake. Hopefully we find ways to break them down and get the first three points that we badly need”.
The 33-year-old emerged as the catalyst of a devastating US attack, converting a ninth-minute penalty and setting up two more goals by Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood in a tournament-saving 4-0 victory over the rival Ticos at Soldier Field.
The goal, Dempsey’s 50th internationally, brought him to within seven of Landon Donovan’s USMNT record.
The host nation, beaten by Group A rivals Colombia in the tournament opener on Friday, produced a devastating first half goal blitz to sink their rivals from the CONCACAF region on a warm night at Soldier Field.
Breaking down Costa Rica’s defense will be a mental challenge as much of a physical one.
Moments after DeAndre Yedlin’s poor clearing attempt nearly set up an early goal for Costa Rica’s Joel Campbell, the Americans started to find their way.
Dempsey was inches away from scoring against Colombia and he looked like the most threatening USA player for most of that game. For the team, it’s important that they know where they stand.
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“It confirms the spirit of the group”. Tuesday’s result saw the Yanks extend their home winning streak over Costa Rica in competitive matches to 16 games since 1989. “We felt that we could have performed better”.
