Copa America Group D heats up as Colombia aim for a second win against Costa Rica on Friday at State Farm Stadium. A victory would solidify their position at the top of the group and guarantee a spot in the quarter-finals.
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Colombia Edging Closer to Knockout Stages
Colombia started their Copa America campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Paraguay. Despite a slow start, they capitalized on their possession advantage, scoring twice on three attempts. This victory extends their unbeaten streak to an impressive nine games across all competitions, with seven of those wins decided by a single goal. Nestor Lorenzo’s men are aiming for their first consecutive group stage wins since 2019, when they dominated their group.
Solid Defense, Potent Attack
Colombia’s recent success is built on a strong defensive foundation, having not conceded a goal in over two years. Their attacking prowess shouldn’t be overlooked either, with 13 goals netted in their last four matches. Their record against CONCACAF opponents is also favorable, boasting a win in their last nine encounters. Their last loss to a CONCACAF team came against Costa Rica itself in the 2016 Copa America.
Costa Rica’s Defensive Heroics
While statistically dominated by Brazil in their opening match, Costa Rica pulled off a surprising 0-0 draw. They became only the third CONCACAF nation to hold the Brazilian giants scoreless in Copa America history. Despite limited possession and attacking opportunities, their resolute defense, anchored by goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira’s three saves, earned them a valuable point.
Unbeaten Run and Youthful Spark
This draw extends Costa Rica’s unbeaten streak to four games, their longest run since the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup. They haven’t conceded in their last three matches but haven’t achieved consecutive clean sheets at the Copa America before. Their starting lineup featured 19-year-old Jeyland Mitchell, the youngest CONCACAF player to start in the competition since 2011.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Colombia might be without center-back Jhon Lucumi due to a knock. Yerry Mina is expected to take his place alongside Davinson Sanchez. Midfielder Jefferson Lerma and defender Daniel Munoz, who scored in the previous match, are likely to retain their starting spots. Costa Rica is expected to field a similar lineup to the one that faced Brazil, with the young Mitchell potentially starting alongside Juan Pablo Vargas and Giancarlo Gonzalez in defense.
Prediction: Colombia 2-0 Costa Rica
While Costa Rica’s defensive resilience is undeniable, Colombia’s attacking firepower and winning momentum are difficult to ignore. The continued pressure from the Colombian offense could lead to fatigue in the Costa Rican defense, ultimately resulting in a Colombian victory.