Host USA failed to win the opening match of the Copa America 2016 as they were defeated 2-0 by Colombia. Cristian Zapata scored his first international goal while James Rodriguez
added a 42nd-minute penalty kick to seal off victory for the Colombians.
US
coach Jurgen Klinsmann spoke about the importance of a strong showing in
this special edition 100th anniversary Copa to create buzz for a
potential 2026 World Cup bid. Instead, the 31st-ranked Americans began
the biggest tournament at home since the 1994 World Cup with a dud as
new FIFA President Gianni Infantino watched among the announced sellout
crowd of 67,439.
“We always were maybe a step or two too late,” midfielder Jermaine Jones said.
Cameron
lost his mark on the first goal, and following a turnover by US captain
Michael Bradley, DeAndre Yedlin left a raised arm that led to a hand
ball call and Rodriguez’s penalty kick. Colombia attacked at every
chance, with Carlos Bacca putting a shot of the crossbar in the 77th
minute.
“That penalty decision was a major point in this game. But
it is what it is, you cannot change it anymore,” said Klinsmann, who
considered “we were absolutely even” aside from two hard-luck goals.
The
Americans will look to rebound on Tuesday against Costa Rica at
Chicago. They close their group stage four days later against Paraguay
at Philadelphia.
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