Colombia Cruises to Quarterfinals with 3-0 Triumph over Costa Rica

Davinson Sánchez and Jhon Córdoba netted second-half goals to help Colombia secure a dominant 3-0 victory over Costa Rica and advance to the Copa América quarterfinals.

Colombia continued their impressive run of form, extending their unbeaten streak to 25 games with a decisive 3-0 triumph over Costa Rica on Friday night. The victory earned the Los Cafeteros a berth in the Copa América quarterfinals, where they will face tournament giants Brazil.

Colombia showcased their dominance from the outset, controlling possession with ease and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Luis Díaz opened the scoring in the 31st minute, coolly converting a penalty after Patrick Sequeira hauled down Jhon Córdoba in the box.

Colombia Cruises to Quarterfinals with 3-0 Triumph over Costa Rica

The second half proved to be even more fruitful for Colombia as Davinson Sánchez doubled their lead in the 59th minute with a towering header from a corner kick. Just three minutes later, Córdoba put the game to bed, expertly finishing from a tight angle after evading the Costa Rican defense.

Colombia's relentless pressure throughout the match was evident in the statistics, with the team outshooting Costa Rica 14-5 and enjoying a commanding 62% possession. The victory marked their second consecutive clean sheet, a testament to their defensive solidity.

Colombia's victory over Costa Rica extended their winning streak to 10 games, a remarkable achievement that has seen them climb to the top of the FIFA World Rankings. The team's last defeat came against Argentina in a World Cup qualifier in 2022.

Costa Rica, who surprised many with their goalless draw against Brazil in their opening match, struggled to contain Colombia's attacking prowess. The youngest roster in the tournament found themselves constantly on the back foot, with no shots on goal to their credit.

Colombia's dominance was particularly evident in the first half, where they controlled 71% of the possession and bombarded the Costa Rican goal with a barrage of shots. Díaz had a golden chance in the fifth minute, but his header sailed just over the crossbar.

James Rodríguez tested Sequeira with the first shot on target in the 20th minute, but the Costa Rican goalkeeper made a superb diving save. However, Díaz made no mistake from the penalty spot after Córdoba was brought down in the box, giving Colombia a deserved lead.

Despite Costa Rica's spirited start to the tournament, they were unable to match Colombia's quality and experience. The Los Cafeteros' victory was a clear demonstration of their status as one of the favorites for the Copa América title.

Colombia will now face Brazil in their final Group D match on Tuesday in Santa Clara, California. A victory over the reigning champions would secure top spot in the group and a favorable quarterfinal matchup. Costa Rica's tournament comes to an end with the defeat, but they can take solace in their brave performance against two of the tournament's strongest teams.