Copa America 2016: Early Odds and Schedule for United States vs. Colombia
In a repeat of the Copa America Centenario’s opening game, the United States will face Colombia in the battle to finish third.
The match will be a consolatory one for both teams after defeats in their respective semi-finals this week. Hosts United States were outclassed by a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina, losing 4-0 on the night, while reigning champions Chile caught Colombia off guard with a brilliant early blitz, winning 2-0.
Even so, it’s a chance for both of these proud nations to finish what has been a fascinating competition on a high. Here is a look at how the bookmakers see the game and how things will pan out in this battle for bronze.
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| United States (7-10) | Colombia (21-10) | |
| United States (2-1) | Draw (5-2) | Colombia (6-4) |
| Carlos Bacca (17-4) | James Rodriguez (11-2) | Bobby Wood (7-1) |
| Clint Dempsey (11-2) | Chris Wondolowski (5-1) | Gyasi Zardes (15-2) |
| Dayro Moreno (11-2) | Roger Martinez (13-2) | Juan Cuadrado (7-1) |
Odds accurate as of 10 a.m. (BST), June 23. Full listings available at Oddschecker.
Date: Saturday, June 25
Time: 8 p.m. (ET), 1 a.m. (BST, June 26)
Venue: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
United States, Colombia Seeking Finishing Flourish
It’s not the end to the tournament that United States and Colombia would have envisaged when they looked ahead to their last-four matches, but they each have a chance to send their supporters home happy on Saturday.
The hosts have recovered well after they were beaten by Colombia in the opening match. The manner in which they emerged from a difficult group was admirable, while the fighting spirit that was on display against Ecuador in the quarter-finals will live long in the memory. But they were overwhelmed by an awesome Argentina.
While there’s not too much to be done against such classy opposition, Jurgen Klinsmann’s team were poor in the attacking third, per OptaJack:
That’ll have to change against Colombia if they’re to secure third place.
Against La Albiceleste, the United States became a little too preoccupied with stifling the attacking quality of their opponents instead of trying to exert their own stamp on the match. Klinsmann will want to see more ambition in the final third from his players in Glendale, Arizona.
Colombia haven’t been particularly free-flowing themselves as of late. Despite possessing a clutch of attacking talent, Jose Pekerman’s team failed to score in 120 minutes against Peru, eventually going through on penalties, and 90 minutes of the semi-final against Chile.
As noted by Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe, there were big problems going forward and at the back for Los Cafeteros:
Looking at this match in isolation, what the South Americans can be positive about is the manner in which they outclassed the United States in the competition curtain-raiser.
Inspired by the brilliant James Rodriguez, the hosts struggled to cope with Colombia’s attacking flair and eventually the 2-0 scoreline was kind to the U.S. men's national team.
Colombia will be without their midfield dynamo Carlos Sanchez for this one after he was red-carded in the semi-final, but with Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado and Carlos Bacca up top, the United States defence should be troubled.
Still, as suggested by Colombian football journalist Juan G. Arango, Pekerman could do with a victory to ease some growing pressure on him:
The previous matches these two have been involved in suggest this is a game that’ll be tight and tense, and goals will be few and far between. However, with the main prize now out of reach, what we should see is two sides take a more enterprising approach.
If both teams do decide to toss caution to the wind, then Colombia—with superior technical players and world-class attackers—will be the main beneficiaries.
Coupled with the fact they’ve already triumphed against the hosts at the Centenario, it’ll be the South American side celebrating a consolation triumph on Saturday.
Prediction: United States 1-2 Colombia
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