Colombia defeated Costa Rica and is already in the quarterfinals of the Copa América

On Friday, Colombia comfortably defeated Costa Rica 3-0 in Glendale, Arizona, securing an early ticket to the quarterfinals of the Copa América in football.

Former Porto player Luis Díaz scored the first goal in the 31st minute from a penalty kick. Center-back Davinson Sánchez added a second with a header following a corner in the 59th minute, and Jhon Córdoba sealed the win in the 61st minute, set up by another former Porto player, James Rodríguez.

Following a 2-1 victory over Paraguay, the team led by Argentine Néstor Lorenzo now has six points and is guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage. This victory marks their 10th consecutive win and extends their unbeaten streak to 25 matches. Up next, they face Brazil, a much-anticipated clash that promises to be a thrilling encounter given the historic rivalry between the two nations.

With one point and after a 'heroic' 0-0 draw against Brazil, Costa Rica remains in contention for qualification, facing Paraguay in the final round. This match will be crucial for Costa Rica as they look to secure a place in the knockout stages, relying on their resilient defense and tactical discipline.

At State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Colombia started strong, creating the first opportunities through Johan Mojica in the 6th minute and James Rodríguez in the 20th. Colombia's early dominance set the tone for the match, with their aggressive play and high pressing causing numerous problems for the Costa Rican defense.

In the 28th minute, goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira committed an unnecessary foul on Jhon Córdoba, leading the referee to promptly award a penalty, which Luis Díaz converted in the 31st minute, with Sequeira diving to the right and the ball going to the left. Díaz's confident finish showcased his composure under pressure, reinforcing his status as one of Colombia's key players.

Towards the end of the first half, Colombia had another good chance with a header from Davinson Sánchez over the bar, following a James Rodríguez corner from the right. The Colombian side continued to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities, but they were unable to extend their lead before the halftime whistle.

The second half continued in Colombia's favor, with the team scoring a second goal in the 59th minute. After a corner from the left by Jhon Arias, Davinson Sánchez headed the ball accurately this time. Sánchez's goal was a testament to Colombia's effective set-piece routines and their ability to capitalize on aerial threats.

Two minutes later, Colombia definitively secured the win with a third goal. Davinson Sánchez, after a run through the central corridor, passed the ball to James Rodríguez, who then set up Jhon Córdoba to shoot past Sequeira. This goal highlighted the fluidity and creativity of Colombia's attacking play, with Rodríguez's vision and Córdoba's clinical finish capping off a well-executed move.

Until the end of the match, Colombia remained the more threatening side, nearly scoring again in the 76th minute. On a counter-attack following a Costa Rica corner, Luis Díaz set up Yaser Asprilla, whose shot narrowly missed the right post. Colombia's continued pressure and attacking intent demonstrated their hunger for more goals and their ability to maintain control of the match.

As Colombia looks ahead to their quarterfinal clash with Brazil, their form and confidence will be crucial. The team's strong defensive performances, combined with their dynamic attacking options, make them a formidable opponent. The upcoming match promises to be a true test of their abilities, as they aim to continue their impressive run in the tournament.