A lot was said in the buildup to Tuesday night’s United States versus Costa Rica Copa America group match. For the USA, the stakes were simple enough: win or go stay home. The USA triumphantly answered any questions about their ability to make an impact in this tournament, thrashing the world’s 23rd ranked side 4-0.
The United States were punished 2-0 by Colombia on Friday night to open the 2016 Copa America Centenario. A heavily pro-Colombian crowd in Santa Clara, California, watched as Geoff Cameron carelessly allowed Cristian Zapata to put his side ahead early before James Rodriguez capitalized from the spot on a sophomoric handball from DeAndre Yedlin.
The USMNT face Colombia in the first match of the Copa America Centenario tonight, and they will have to put on a strong showing in order to get anything from the match. They have a potentially tough group that includes World Cup quarter-finalists Costa Rica and last year's fourth place Copa finishers, Paraguay. It is important for the U.S. to start strong in the hopes of grabbing what could be three vital points.
The United States kicks off the Copa America Centenario on Friday against the world’s fourth ranked team, Colombia. For Jurgen Klinsmann and the US, the match is similar to their World Cup opener against Ghana two years ago. In a difficult group containing Colombia, Costa Rica and Paraguay, the USA needs a positive result if they are to harbor any hope of advancing to the quarterfinals.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s record and accomplishments with the United States national team are well known. After winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2013, his fortunes have gradually taken a turn for the worse. The 2016 Copa America represents a massive chance for Klinsmann and the US squad to make the country proud again, but of the highest importance is the continued buildup to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
As Ian Darke would say: "Goal Goal USA!" The USA utilized their substitute Darlington Nagbe to the best of scenarios. Nagbe scoring his first goal for the United States, clinched the victory for the Americans in the 90th minute to beat Ecuador in an international friendly. An exciting moment for him and the USA as they prepare for Copa America.
The United States enters the 2016 Copa America Centenario with the support of an entire nation behind them, but realistic expectations call for a quarterfinal showing at best. For US manager Jurgen Klinsmann, this tournament represents a glorious opportunity to defy the odds and reach the tournament semifinals.
Standing in the way of the US includes a difficult group containing Colombia, Costa Rica and Paraguay and a potential quarterfinal matchup against either Brazil or Ecuador.
The 2015 Copa America in Chile had everything: great goals, unforgettable moments and infamous controversies. Now, thanks to the celebration of one century of CONMEBOL and the Copa, we get to do it all again. This time, the memories will be made in our own backyard.
After the ousting of three different CONCACAF presidents on charges of corruption, bribery and money-laundering, the region has begun the slow process of recovery behind a newly elected leader, Canadian Victor Montagliani.
Key to FIFA reestablishing its reputation, as well as remedying the fall-out from the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, is to establish a World Cup bidding process that is both transparent and sensible.
After a slow start to his professional career, Jordan Morris is now officially more lit than Dubai. Morris scored his fourth goal in as many games on Saturday, tying a rookie record for the longest MLS goal-scoring streak.
Morris was named on Jurgen Klinsmann’s preliminary 40-man roster ahead of the Copa America, and his exploits with Seattle mean that he’s highly likely to make the final list of 23 players.