Copa America: Colombia into last eight after beating Paraguay 2-1
Pasadena (United States), June 8
Colombia became the first side to reach the quarter-finals of the Copa America Centenario on Tuesday as goals from AC Milan’s Carlos Bacca and Real Madrid star James Rodriguez secured a 2-1 win for Colombia over Paraguay in front of a vocal crowd at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California.
Victor Ayala gave Paraguay hope after pulling a goal back on 71 minutes but Colombia held on for three points which means they are assured of a top two finish in Group A and a place in the last eight.
Colombia need only to draw against Costa Rica on Saturday to assure themselves of first place, leaving them a potentially easier quarter-final against the runner-up from Group B, which contains Brazil, Ecuador, Haiti and Peru.
On Wednesday, Peru could join Colombia in the quarter-finals if they manage to defeat Ecuador in Glendale, Arizona in Group B.
In Wednesday’s other game, five-time world champions Brazil face an intriguing matchup against Caribbean minnows Haiti in Orlando, Florida.
“If we win it will be the greatest miracle that God has produced in football,” Haiti midfielder Jean-Marc Alexandre said Tuesday. —AFP
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