The 100th edition of the Copa America got underway with Colombia beating the hosts USA 2-0 at the Levi’s stadium in a bright start to the campaign. Christian Zapata and James Rodriguez got amongst the goals as Le Tricolour bagged all 3 points in the curtain-raiser, taking a huge step towards the knock-out rounds.
On the other hand, it was time for some more introspection for Jurgen Klinsmann and his American troops as they faltered on the big stage once again. Here are the major talking points from the opening game of the 2016 Copa America Centenario.
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1) USA implode again when it matters
The Stars and Stripes have had a promising squad in the recent years, but for all the hype, they’ve flattered to deceive at the biggest stages. Now in this American showpiece where they are also playing the hosts, the US are considered one of the favourites, but their start to the tournament suggests anything but that.
The hosts were completely dominated by the Colombians and despite a late surge, barely managed to ruffle any feathers. The Americans were unsettled by Colombia’s swift counter-attacks and were also thrown into disarray during the set-piece situations. They also held 53% percent of the ball, but never really conjured up anything special.
Jurgen Klinsmann has been walking a tight rope ever since their failure in the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and another disappointment here might just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
2) The two sides of James Rodriguez
Colombian sensation James Rodriguez struck from the spot to set his side on course for the victory, and it comes as some sigh of relief for the embattled midfielder whose time at Real Madrid has gone downhill.
With Zinedine Zidane preferring Casemiro over him and Isco in the midfield, James has cut a forlorn figure on the bench. The 23-year-old barely featured in the white of Madrid during the second half of last season, giving rise to speculations that the ex-AS Monaco man is on his way out.
However, his goal today was a timely reminder that he continues to deliver for his national side and also took his goal tally to 15 for Colombia, tying with Teo Gutierrez and Aristizabal as the 5th all-time top-scorer in the country’s history.
On the flip side, the diminutive attacker sustained a shoulder injury towards the final few moments in the game, sighting concerns in the Colombian camp.
3) Clint Dempsey fluffs his lines
The Seattle Sounders star led the line for the Americans but spurned a host of gilt-edged chances that could’ve otherwise painted a different picture to the game.
Dempsey was on the receiving end of an impeccable corner kick from 25-yards out, but his attempt was cleared off the line by David Ospina. Minutes later, the 33-year-old stepped up to take a free-kick but the Arsenal custodian was there to deny him again.
Most of the home nation's clear-cut chances fell to the USA skipper but he simply lacked the cutting edge to put it into the back of the net. The US captain is touted to be one of the key players for the hosts in their quest for their first major title since the 2013 Gold Cup, but Dempsey let his side down on that account today.
4) Zapata opens his account at a crucial stage
AC Milan defender Cristian Zapata opened his scoring account for Colombia after 8 years into his international career as he struck a fierce shot into the bottom corner of the net off a corner kick. The Rossoneri centre-back had a difficult season with his club side but brushed that aside with a positive start here.
Courtesy to some lackadaisical defending from the USA, Zapata was left with acres of space in the build-up with no one marking him at the far post, thereby allowing the 29-year old to slot home the tournament’s first goal.
It was his maiden goal with Colombia, and what a time to open his account!
5) Colombia threaten from the wings
Save for James Rodriguez who was given the license to play wherever he likes, the rest of Colombia’s forward endeavours were inspired from the flanks and it worked wonders. Not only did they outsmart the Americans but also demonstrated a clinical attacking display.
The likes of Juan Cuadrado and Farid Diaz ran rings around the Americans from the flanks and the latter also won a penalty when his cross accidentally hit Yedlin’s hands, with the referee pointing to the spot. The hosts had absolutely no answer whatsoever to Colombia’s attacking whims and went down very limply.
Jose Pekerman got his tactics correct today and the result should be a fillip to his side to continue in the same vein.
