USA 0 Colombia 2: First-half Cristian Zapata and James Rodriguez goals inspire South Americans to hammer hosts in Copa America opener
Clint Dempsey had plenty of chances but the ex-Liverpool man could not rescue the States on their opening night
COLOMBIA showed America no gratitude for hosting the 100th Copa America with a confidence crushing defeat for the USA dished up in the tournament opener.
All three of America’s wins over Colombia had come in the sunny state of California, where Friday’s curtain-raiser was played.
But it was a dark day for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side who were ripped apart in the Levi’s Arena with two first-half goals from Cristian Zapata and James Rodriguez.
It took just eight minutes for Colombia to earn themselves a corner to be swung outwards by Edwin Cardona’s right foot.
A clever run from centre-back Zapata left him the space to take aim with a right-foot volley that torpedoed through the crowd and past beleaguered Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who should probably be used to conceding after his latest Premier League campaign.
The US then dominated possession but did very little with it as Colombia let them pass the ball across their back line.
On 28 minutes Clint Dempsey went on a powerful run before the former Fulham man was cut down.
Michael Bradley stepped with an effort from 40 yards that he hung up to the back post toward former Blackburn loanee Jermaine Jones.
The midfielder was given the luxury of a free header but instead of directing it across goal he headed it behind for a goal-kick.
The searing California heat meant Colombia were not interested in a high-pressing game, instead they let the trailing Americans keep the ball and went into defensive overdrive only when the ball crept into their final third.
After the half-hour mark Dempsey once again tried to get his side level with a curling left-foot shot.
Arsenal keeper David Ospina looked calm as the ball drifted past his post but replays shows it was far too close for comfort.
The first half was played at a languid pace, even by the hosts who were chasing the game from so early on.
But, on 39 minutes, the US got seriously animated after Colombia got a controversial penalty after a debateable handball from Spurs-owned DeAndre Yedlin.
The full-back, who finished last season on such a high after helping loan club Sunderland stay in the Premier League, was crushed by the decision.
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The right-back rushed out to close down a Colombia attack and when Freddy Rincon’s cross was whipped in it appeared he would escape punishment due to the pace of the delivery and the position of his hands.
However – after what seemed like a torturous eternity for Klinsmann’s side - referee Fabio Baldas pointed to the spot.
Colombian golden boy Rodriguez – fresh from a stuttering Real Madrid season of limited opportunities – stroked home the penalty with his left foot.
It was a poor start for Guzan, a man who was probably hoping for some respite on international duty but at least had plenty of recent practice at picking the ball out of his net.
Just five minutes later, Guzan helped his side out with a fine reflex save. Cardona was allowed too much time and space to turn and take aim and his shot deflected dramatically to wrong-foot the keeper.
However the No1 reacted perfectly to change the course of his dive and beat the ball away.
Before the hour mark America were being mocked as each Colombia pass was greeted with joyous “Oles” around the stadium.
But their confidence was almost punished twice inside a thrilling five minute spell for America.
On 59 minutes Bradley arced a right-footed corner away from Ospina’s goal but right on to the head of Demspey who did everything correctly, thumping his effort into the ground only for it to be cleared heroically off the line by Sebastian Perez
And moments later the ex-liverpool man had another excellent chance as he mounted a one-man resistance.
The Seattle Sounders star pinged a free-kick up and over the wall but Ospina hurled himself high and to his left to produce a great stop.
But Colombia held on and even withdraw Rodriguez as a precaution for their future Group A games.
The centenary tournament is the first to be played out of South America and the US might now regret hosting a party they might now struggle to enjoy.