Group A of the 2016 Copa America negotiated its second round of games with hosts USA pummelling Costa Rica 4-0 and Colombia beating Paraguay 2-1 in a closely contested game.
The outcome means Colombia are the first team to confirm a place in the last 8, while the rest still have all to play for in the last chance saloon this Saturday. Here are the five major talking points from matchday 5.
1) That’s the USA everyone was expecting
Following a limp show on the opening day, the USMNT improved tenfold in their next outing as they clinically dispatched Costa Rica with four unanswered goals. The hosts were the better side in every department and seemed to have learnt their lesson from the loss to Colombia on matchday one.
The Americans hit the ground running right from the off, attacking at full pelt and throwing Los Tucos into a tizzy. Their efforts paid off bountifully as the USA led 3-0 by half-time, effectively putting the tie to bed. Yet, they refused to rest back on the sword and continued pushing for more in the second.
Costa Rica, who had been largely subdued in the opening 45 minutes, continued in the same vein post the break and were punished when Graham Zusi struck 3 minutes from time to add gloss to the scoreline.
It was a good day in the office for Jurgen Klinsmann and co.
2) Jermaine Jones brushes aside the opening day blues
After a sub-par start to the campaign, the USA were heavily criticised. But one particular player who was lambasted more than anyone else was Jermaine Jones. The midfielder had a forgetful evening at the Lewi’s stadium, yet Klinsmann opted to stick to the midfielder in their second group game, and the Colorado Rapids star repaid the faith.
Pulling the strings with great aplomb this time, Jones chiefly regained the possession in the midfield and carried it forward to instigate attacks. He was unplayable in the midfield and capped off a terrific evening with an equally terrific goal.
The US no.13 turned back the clock with a resounding display and put the disappointment of matchday one long, long behind him.
3) Colombia continue from where they left off
Having outplayed and outmaneuvered the hosts in the curtain-raiser on Friday, Colombia followed it up with another strong performance against Paraguay to become the first team to book a place in the knock-out rounds. Carlos Bacca and James Rodriguez were on target as Los Cafeteros emerged 2-1 triumphant.
Just like we saw against the USA, Colombia once again started the game on the front foot and took the lead inside 15 minutes for the second game running. Pressing high up the park, it was soon 2-0 when skipper Rodriguez struck from the far post for his second goal of the tournament in as many games. Los Guaranies tried really hard to riposte, but could only manage a solitary goal.
There were several nervy moments in the game with both sides missing a few good chances but Colombia eventually held on to the lead and secure another 3 points.
4) Jose Pekerman is right about James
Ahead of the clash, Colombia boss Jose Pekerman said of his captain James Rodriguez that he should leave Real Madrid in search of first-team football. And he is right. With another goal today, the dynamic midfielder sent a timely reminder to Blancos about his scoring prowess and why he deserves more game time.
The 24-year-old was a thorn in the flesh of Paraguay, popping up in spaces and providing dangerous crosses inside the box. After going close during the initial stages, James finally found the net 5 minutes before half-time as he coolly slotted into the far corner from the edge of the area.
The goal was his second in the competition, drawing level with Panama’s Blas Perez in the race for the Golden Boot.
James Rodriguez is a supremely talented player, and that talent is unfortunately getting wasted on the Real Madrid bench. Like his coach rightly pointed out yesterday, he should decamp the white of Madrid in search of greener pastures to well and truly flourish his career.
5) A greater tussle awaits
Following all the action today in Group A, the teams are now geared up for their final games in which a lot can be won and lost. Momentarily, Colombia are running away with the first place with 6 points followed by the USA on 3. Paraguay and Costa Rica are tied with 1 point each but the latter stay at the bottom due to inferior goal-difference. However, we can still see many changes on the last day.
While only a draw is enough for the USA to progress, it is easier said than done. Paraguay are probably not going down without a fight knowing only a victory will suffice. To spice things up a little, they have beaten the Americans 3-1 in their only meeting in the Copa America which came back in 2007 in Venezuela and need a repeat of history this time to avoid an early exit.
In this do or die situation, anything’s possible. But expect the teams to go hammer and tongs at each other.
