For almost half an hour, Costa Rica gave Colombia simply as a lot hassle as they did Brazil of their earlier Copa America Group D match, which resulted in a stunning scoreless draw. However then goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira’s error in judgement led to Luis Diaz placing Colombia forward from the penalty spot and so they by no means regarded again.
Colombia added two extra objectives within the second half thanks partially to the sensible passing of James Rodriguez, confirming a spot within the quarterfinals as they high the group with two wins in as many matches.
The Athletic’s Stuart James and Paul Tenorio share their takeaways from the match…
How did Colombia break via?
The information of Keylor Navas retiring from worldwide football was handled nearly just like the demise of a head of state. And rightfully so. Navas is a hero in Costa Rica. With him in purpose, Costa Rica all the time had an opportunity — even towards the highest groups on this planet.
However Patrick Sequeira has lengthy been ready within the wings. The 25-year-old moved to Spain as a teen and was thought-about the inheritor obvious for Navas. With the legendary goalkeeper entrenched because the starter, and different veterans referred to as up in key moments, Sequeira performed simply two games with the senior workforce going into 2024. Going into Friday night time, Sequeira had not given up a purpose in any of his appearances this 12 months, together with a surprising 0-0 draw with Brazil to begin this Copa América.
However Sequeira’s lack of expertise at this stage manifested with a foolish mistake within the first half towards Colombia when he charged out from purpose and collided with Jhon Cordoba within the field. It was an pointless problem. Francisco Calvo had the hazard dealt with, and there was no fast hazard. Diaz buried the following penalty to offer Colombia the 1-0 lead going into halftime in what was in any other case one other pretty strong half of defensive soccer from the Ticos.
Sequeira warming up earlier than dealing with Costa Rica. (Picture: Chris Coduto/Getty Pictures)
Two strikers for Colombia? Do they know what 12 months it’s?
There’s one thing refreshing about seeing two strikers main the road – a little bit of a throwback to days passed by – and for Colombia it’s a method of taking part in that continues to ship enormous reward.
Luis Diaz and Jhon Cordoba had been the entrance pairing towards Costa Rica, and the 2 of them had been a relentless risk with their willingness to stretch the opposition and run in behind. It’s what the Brazil coach Dorival Junior calls ‘soiled motion’.
A kind of runs from Cordoba, chasing a cross from Daniel Munoz, led to the penalty that Diaz emphatically transformed to offer Colombia the lead.
With Colombia’s 4-3-1-2 system, these longer passes can nearly be hit blind at occasions – Jefferson Lerma performed one earlier within the first half for Diaz, and James Rodriguez got here agonisingly near scoring from the Liverpool ahead’s astute cut-back.
On that word, the formation additionally works effectively for Rodriguez, who has three energetic midfielders behind him within the form of Richard Rios, Jefferson Lerma and Jhon Arias, giving him the liberty to assist Diaz and Cordoba.
Colombia’s third purpose was a living proof. Rodriguez’s lovely first-time cross launched Cordoba within the inside proper channel – an space the place he was so efficient – and the striker thrashed a terrific shot into the far nook.
It was a second that stated the whole lot in regards to the togetherness on this vastly spectacular Colombia squad. Davinson Sanchez, who had come near scoring within the first half, met Jhon Arias’ nook with a bullet header that was solely ever ending up in a single place: the again of the Costa Rica web.
Sanchez ran over to the nook and, surrounded by his team-mates, held up a Colombia shirt with ‘No 3 Lucumi’ on the again. Jhon Lucumi had began alongside Sanchez towards Paraguay on Monday however pulled up early on with a thigh harm.
Emotional and offended, Lucumi regarded like he was preventing again tears when he got here off and smashed his fist towards the dugout.
Watching from the stands right here in Phoenix, the place Colombia swept Costa Rica apart, Lucumi made it clear that he appreciated Sanchez’s gesture as he pointed again at his defensive companion and pounded his chest in a present of respect for the celebration.
Lucumi’s event isn’t over. He received’t participate within the remaining group sport towards Brazil – a match the place Colombia don’t must take any possibilities with accidents – however there’s hope that the 26-year-old will likely be match to return for the knockout stage.
Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez honoured his injured teammate Jhon Lucumi after scoring on a header 🙌 pic.twitter.com/0ovVEFMeqZ
— The Athletic | Soccer (@TheAthleticFC) June 28, 2024
What did the managers say?
Gustavo Alfaro, Costa Rica coach:
“I instructed them at half-time if you wish to scale back the deficit, it’s a must to play. I noticed our workforce a bit static. For those who don’t present your self, they received’t discover you. I don’t really feel we’ve the appropriate bodily players for a protracted ball. It was uphill for us after the second purpose. We’ve to study from this match towards Colombia, there’s a motive why they’ve bought a 25-game unbeaten streak.“
Although Paraguay has nice gamers in assault, no matter that and the respect we’ve for Brazil, Colombia and each different opponent, we’ve to develop. An important factor for us is to seek out the weather which can be lacking and go after them.”
Nestor Lorenzo, Colombia coach:
“Every match is a unique story. Right now’s match we took management, it helped us to not undergo as we did towards Paraguay the place we had some events the place we had been sharing possession. We knew it might be a troublesome sport (towards Costa Rica). However we thought if we managed the ball we might have the ability to open up the sport ultimately.“
James is doing effectively. He needed to go on however pondering of what comes subsequent I assumed it was sensible to ask for a substitution.”
What’s subsequent for every workforce?
Brazil vs. Colombia — Tuesday, July 2, 9:00 p.m. ET (Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA)
Costa Rica vs. Paraguay — Tuesday, July 2, 9:00 p.m. ET (Q2 Stadium, Austin, TX)
Required studying
(Prime picture: Chris Coduto/Getty Pictures)
