Leader of Group D, Colombia will go to qualify for the quarterfinals against Costa Rica

Jun 26, 2024, 07:56 ET

The Colombia selection has three points and another victory against Costa Rica will ensure their qualification to the quarterfinals of America Cup. The game will be this June 28 in Arizona.

He added one more undefeated date with the victory against Paraguay in Houston. The mark is 21 in the process of Néstor Lorenzo and he also left it first in its area. The National Team overcame a dedicated rival and was patient to resolve in the first half. Two centers from Captain James damaged the area for the headers of Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma.

“They are focused, they have humility, we go game by game, each game we have to work on, each game is hard, they pulled it off this one and they know where we are going. “The most important game is the next one.” indicated the DT.

Costa Rica can complicate it just as much. He showed it in the 0-0 draw against Brazil. He defends well, reduces space and makes him uncomfortable. He minimized the imbalance of Raphinha and Vinicius with doubling on the sides. A warning for Luis Díaz, closely monitored by the Guaraníes in his gang. Rafael Borré could claim more visibility in his tactical work, wearing down the center backs and facilitating the game on the outside.

It is obedient to group together and leaves possession aside. Against the favorites she had 26 percent. He only finished twice, neither on goal. Against Colombia she will be more daring without neglecting the job that made the Auriverdes desperate.

“I hope they start to look at us with respect, because we are a team that is going to maintain order, that is going to fight until the end and that in the most difficult moments is going to show what the Ticos have culturally, which is to never give up.” defeated and get the best“said his coach Gustavo Alfaro.

The mid-range can help the tricolor if Costa Rica’s defense waits far behind. This is what the Brazilians sought with a shot at Paquetá’s post. The options are with James and Richard Ríos, one of the revelations in his first ownership for the points.

“I put him in because I saw him doing well in all these days of training. We saw him powerful, he breaks forward well, he has good ball handling. He hasn’t reached his ceiling yet. He’s a player who is going to grow and give us a lot,” explained the Colombian coach.

While awaiting a more precise diagnosis of the injury to centre-back Jhon Lucumí, the team will again have the duo of Yerry Mina and Davinson Sánchez. The only player cautioned is centre-back Jefferson Lerma. He will have to take care of himself.

The game will be on Friday, June 28 in Arizona at 5:00 p.m.