Results
Colombia def. USA 2-0
Match
The key factor in this match was set pieces. Colombia scored both goals from set pieces, as Cristian Zapata scored off a corner in the 8th minute, while James Rodriguez netted a penalty in the 42nd. The United States, however, did not make good use of the set-piece opportunities presented to them. They had 3 corner kicks and several free kicks that they wasted. They missed many opportunities to score, either due to good goalkeeping or defending by Colombia, or terrible finishing and miscommunication.
There was some controversy following DeAndre Yedlin's handball in the box which awarded Colombia a penalty. Many think that this should not have been called a penalty, as it was clearly unintentional. However, the referee actually made the right call, as Yedlin's hand was not in a natural position, and it blocked a cross that could have led to a goal or a scoring opportunity.
Despite the scoreline, this match was relatively even. In fact, the USA even had slightly more possession than Colombia (53-47%). The only thing that set these two teams apart was finishing and set pieces. Colombia finished well, whereas the USA did not, so Colombia ultimately won comfortably. If the USA want to win their next two matches and qualify for the knockout round, they will have to be able to finish their chances better.
There is, however, one concern for Colombia. Goalscorer, star midfielder, and captain James Rodriguez went down with a shoulder injury in the 70th minute, forcing him to leave the match. Colombia will be watching closely to see if their star will be fit for their next match on Tuesday against Paraguay.
Group A Table
Match
The key factor in this match was set pieces. Colombia scored both goals from set pieces, as Cristian Zapata scored off a corner in the 8th minute, while James Rodriguez netted a penalty in the 42nd. The United States, however, did not make good use of the set-piece opportunities presented to them. They had 3 corner kicks and several free kicks that they wasted. They missed many opportunities to score, either due to good goalkeeping or defending by Colombia, or terrible finishing and miscommunication.
There was some controversy following DeAndre Yedlin's handball in the box which awarded Colombia a penalty. Many think that this should not have been called a penalty, as it was clearly unintentional. However, the referee actually made the right call, as Yedlin's hand was not in a natural position, and it blocked a cross that could have led to a goal or a scoring opportunity.
Despite the scoreline, this match was relatively even. In fact, the USA even had slightly more possession than Colombia (53-47%). The only thing that set these two teams apart was finishing and set pieces. Colombia finished well, whereas the USA did not, so Colombia ultimately won comfortably. If the USA want to win their next two matches and qualify for the knockout round, they will have to be able to finish their chances better.
There is, however, one concern for Colombia. Goalscorer, star midfielder, and captain James Rodriguez went down with a shoulder injury in the 70th minute, forcing him to leave the match. Colombia will be watching closely to see if their star will be fit for their next match on Tuesday against Paraguay.
Group A Table
Played
|
Points
|
Goal Differential
|
|
Colombia
|
1
|
3
|
+2
|
Costa Rica
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Paraguay
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
USA
|
1
|
0
|
-2
|
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