Colombia dominates Costa Rica to reach Copa America quarterfinals

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Davinson Sánchez and Jhon Córdoba scored three minutes apart in the second half and Colombia reached the Copa America quarterfinals with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica on Friday.

Colombia controlled 62% of the ball for the second game in a row and led 1-0 at halftime thanks to a Luis Díaz penalty in the 31st minute.

Los Cafeteros kept up the pressure in the second half and closed out Group D with a dominant performance in front of 27,386 pro-Colombian fans at State Farm Stadium. Colombia defeated Costa Rica 14-5 and will face Brazil on Tuesday in Santa Clara, California, to close out the group stage.

Colombia have won 10 games in a row and are unbeaten in 25 games (20-0-5) since losing to Argentina in a 2022 World Cup qualifier. Costa Rica have not had a single shot on goal.

“Today was a match that we dominated from start to finish,” Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo said through an interpreter.

Costa Rica suffered the first big upset of the tournament, playing nine-time Copa America champions Brazil to a scoreless draw despite leading 18-2.

Los Ticos were hot on their heels again against another powerful team in the desert – and things didn’t go so well for the tournament’s youngest squad.

“The other team was clearly on a different level,” said Costa Rica coach Gustavo Alfaro.

Colombia had possession (66%) in the opening match against Paraguay (2-1) and dominated the early stages of the match against Costa Rica.

Díaz had the first good chance in the fifth minute, but just missed the crossbar with a header. James Rodríguez followed with the first shot on target in the 20th minute, but Patrick Sequeira spread himself for a diving save.

Díaz scored from the penalty kick after Sequeira brought down an onrushing Córdoba on the edge of the penalty area. Los Cafeteros continued to press and just missed a goal when Sánchez failed to hit Díaz’s bouncing cross with his head.

Colombia had 71% possession in the first half and maintained control in the second half.

Sánchez made it 2-0 with a header from a corner in the 59th minute. Córdoba scored when he slipped behind Costa Rica’s defense and beat Sequeira from an awkward angle.

“We are a good team, but we also have good character,” Lorenzo said.

“It’s not a miracle. They are good players,” Lorenzo said in Spanish after the match. “The quality of the players makes the difference. On the pitch they apply pressure, they stick to the game plan.”

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AP Copa America coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/copa-america