Colombia advanced to the Copa America quarter-finals on Friday with a decisive 3-0 win against Costa Rica in Arizona.
Colombia secured a spot in the Copa America quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Costa Rica in Arizona on Friday. Goals from Luis Diaz, Davinson Sanchez, and Jhon Cordoba ensured Colombia’s victory and a guaranteed top-two finish in Group D. Colombia will clinch the group if they earn at least a draw against Brazil in their final group match next Tuesday. Brazil, on the other hand, dominated Paraguay 4-1 in Friday’s other Copa clash.
The Colombians, playing at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium, extended their unbeaten streak to 25 games, showcasing confidence and form. Nestor Lorenzo’s squad, who haven’t lost since a defeat to Argentina in February 2022, never seemed at risk on Friday.
Liverpool’s Luis Diaz initiated the scoring in the 31st minute with a penalty after Costa Rica’s goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira fouled Cordoba near the box. Diaz confidently converted the penalty, sending it into the top corner.
Colombia nearly increased their lead in the 37th minute when James Rodriguez found Diaz at the far post, but Diaz’s cross into the six-yard box narrowly missed Sanchez’s finishing touch.
Sanchez redeemed himself in the 59th minute, heading in a cross from Jhon Arias to make it 2-0. Cordoba sealed the win with a stunning goal three minutes later, finishing a brilliant through ball from Rodriguez with a shot into the far corner.
Brazil victorious in Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, Brazil bounced back from a 0-0 draw with Costa Rica by securing a 4-1 win against Paraguay. Brazil took a 3-0 lead by halftime after missing a penalty earlier in the match.
Paraguay’s Adrian Cubas, who was later red-carded in the 81st minute, conceded a penalty, but Lucas Paqueta’s attempt in the 31st minute was saved. Paqueta redeemed himself by assisting Vincius Junior for Brazil’s opening goal in the 35th minute. Savinho added a second goal in the 43rd minute, and Vincius Junior scored again in stoppage time, giving Brazil a 3-0 lead at the break.
Paraguay’s Omar Alderete scored in the 48th minute, but Paqueta converted another penalty in the 65th minute, ensuring Brazil’s 4-1 victory.
