Colombia qualify for Copa America quarter-finals after 3-0 Costa Rica romp
Colombia qualify for Copa America quarter-finals after 3-0 Costa Rica romp
NEW DELHI: Colombia secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa America with a convincing 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in Glendale, Arizona. The goals from Luis Diaz, Davinson Sanchez, and Jhon Cordoba ensured that Colombia finished in the top two positions in Group D.
With this win, Colombia extended their unbeaten streak to 25 games, a remarkable achievement that dates back to February 2022 when they suffered a defeat against Argentina. Nestor Lorenzo's well-drilled side displayed a composed and organized performance, never allowing Costa Rica to threaten their unbeaten record.
The opening goal came in the 31st minute when Liverpool's Luis Diaz converted a penalty kick with authority after Costa Rican goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira committed a reckless challenge on Jhon Cordoba near the edge of the penalty area. Diaz's powerful strike found the top corner, giving Colombia the lead.
Colombia came close to doubling their advantage in the 37th minute when veteran midfielder James Rodriguez picked out Diaz at the back post with a precise cross. However, Diaz's attempted cutback across the face of the goal narrowly evaded the outstretched Davinson Sanchez.
Sanchez made amends for the missed opportunity in the 59th minute, glancing in Jhon Arias's left-wing cross to extend Colombia's lead to 2-0. Three minutes later, Cordoba scored the third goal with a clinical finish, latching onto Rodriguez's incisive through ball and firing a low shot across the goalkeeper and into the far corner.
With this comprehensive victory, Colombia will qualify for the quarter-finals as group winners if they can secure at least a point against Brazil in their final group game on Tuesday. They will approach that match brimming with confidence after their impressive performance against Costa Rica.
In the other Copa America match on Friday, Brazil faced Paraguay in Las Vegas, aiming to secure their first win of the tournament after opening with a goalless draw against Costa Rica.
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