Starting the second round of group games at the Copa America Centenario, Group A saw the favorites taking control and Colombia clinching a knockout stage spot while a US win clinches them the second knockout stage spot.
1) Biggest Winner: Jurgen Klinsmann (United States)
Jurgen Klinsmann needed a big win out of his team. Despite what Sunil Gulati said or didn’t say about Klinsmann’s job status, what he said hours before showed a kind of pressure to Klinsmann that showed they needed to start winning games. I personally still think Klinsmann’s job is safe regardless until after 2018 but a 4-0 win tonight surely quieted some critics. That’s not to say every problem with the team has been solved and the US is now set to win the Copa America because they aren’t, but they at least got a big win when they needed it and Klinsmann is safe for now.
2) Standout Performer: Jermaine Jones (United States)
Many people (including me) felt Jermaine Jones was better off on the bench and that someone like Darlington Nagbe was a better solution in midfield. Jermaine Jones proved us wrong tonight by playing great in his second Copa America start in as many games. His goal tonight was near perfect. Didn’t blast the ball, didn’t need to. It was a great shot that was on the ground and placed perfectly. He had a great game.
Cool as you like! Jermaine Jones doubles the #USMNT's lead over Costa Rica. #USAvCRC #MyCopaColors https://t.co/H6YTWaEMJf
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 8, 2016
3) Biggest Loser: Oscar Romero
It’s not smart to earn two yellow cards in three minutes and sink your teams hopes of getting a result. Oscar Romero did just that and not only hurt their chances to get a result on Colombia, but Romero will be out against the united States, helping them in the process. And in a game where Paraguay needs to win to stay alive, it just got that much harder.
4) Best Tweet:
4-0. pic.twitter.com/iKaeO5fIGI
— AO (@AmericanOutlaws) June 8, 2016
5) Biggest Surprise: David Ospina (Colombia)
Usually Colombia is known for goals and James Rodriguez. And while that was the case, Paraguay was very dangerous and was challenging for goals. David Ospina stepped up and made two of the best saves of the tournament so far.
Just stop it, David Ospina. What a save to keep out Dario Lezcano's free kick just before HT. #COLvPAR #MyCopaColors https://t.co/OYCI2R2e2o
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 8, 2016
Okay, David Ospina. We get it. 🔥🔥🔥 #COLvPAR #MyCopaColors https://t.co/eNxhJc4KrO
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 8, 2016
6) Best Goal: Victor Ayala (Paraguay)
It was their only goal of the night but it was a stunner. Victor Ayala from about 30 yards away drilled the shot to the far post and despite making those great saves, David Ospina couldn’t even get in front of that.
Take a bow, Victor Ayala. #COLvPAR #MyCopaColors https://t.co/kJCuVWjsTf
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 8, 2016
7) Wednesday’s Games:
Group B is upon us as Brazil face Haiti at 7:30 and Ecuador take on Peru at 10. A Peru win will clinch a knockout round spot while if Brazil somehow doesn’t beat Haiti, it will not be a fun night in Brazil.
