It’s one of the more surprising results of the Copa America Centenario, and it totally benefits the United States.
Already-eliminated Costa Rica beat a Colombia side with plenty to play for, giving the United States the Group A title after a 3-2 result in Houston.
Colombia will face the winner of Group B, which could be Brazil, Peru or Ecuador.
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Costa Rica came out firing, with Johan Venegas scoring a gorgeous goal in the second minute. His 22-yard curler made it 1-0, but Colombia equalized through Frank Fabra minutes later.
The 34th minute saw Fabra deposit a cross in his own goal, though, and Los Ticos went into halftime with a 2-1 lead.
Then, this.Celso Borges gives Costa Rica a 2-goal cushion. If they hold on, #USMNT win Group A. #COLvCRC #MyCopaColors https://t.co/5thknYoJQ5
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 12, 2016
Marlos Moreno drew Colombia back to within a goal in the 72nd minute, setting the stage for a tense quarter-hour.
James Rodriguez stood over a free kick from the outside left of the box, but hit a laser into the wall. Colombia had less than 10 minutes to find an equalizer.