Colombia defeated USA 1-0 to clinch third place in Copa America 2016 on Saturday. Carlos Bacca scored the all-important goal to help Colombia seal victory in Glendale. The match witnessed as many as six bookings and two red cards as well.
After an embarrassing 4-0 loss in the semifinals against Argentina, USA did come up with a better game in the third/fourth-place match against Colombia. USA, despite a fourth-place finish, tested Colombia to the hilt, and looked good. The Los Cafeteros were only marginally better.
The match was an entertaining one from the first whistle, as both teams were trying to break the deadlock early on, which would release some pressure. But that was not to be as Colombia and USA looked sharp, but lacked that finishing touch.
Colombia could have taken a lead in the 11th minute, but a brilliant save from Tim Howard denied James Rodriguez's team a great start. Just three minutes later, Clint Dempsey nearly helped USA take the lead.
However, Colombia, after some good football, broke the deadlock in the 31st minute, as Bacca found the back of the net. It was a great goal from Colombia, who opened the USA defence to score that lovely goal.
The hosts were not giving up too easily, and were looking for the precious equaliser, but could not score, and the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Colombia.
Dempsey nearly helped USA get back into the game, as his 30-yard free-kick was brilliantly saved by Ospina, which proved to be crucial. Had he not got the fingertips to the ball, anything could have happened in the remainder of the match.
It was all action in the second half, as Cuadrado hit the crossbar with a delicious chip, and a minute later USA's Bobby Wood also hit the post. Despite attempts from both teams, no goals were scored in the entertaining second half. The referee produced two red cards in added time.
With Colombia clinching third place, all eyes will be on the finals between Argentina and Chile, which will be played on Sunday.
