Colombia clinched a spot in the Copa America quarterfinals on Friday by trouncing Costa Rica 3-0, marking their 10th consecutive win.
Luis Diaz, the Liverpool striker, netted the opening goal from the penalty spot at State Farm Stadium after Jhon Cordoba was fouled by Patrick Sequeira.
Galatasaray’s Davinson Sanchez extended the lead with a powerful header from Jhon Arias’s corner kick.
Colombia sealed the match shortly after the hour mark when James Rodriguez delivered a masterful one-touch pass to Cordoba, who unleashed a first-time shot into the far corner.
“We’ve got an outstanding squad giving their all for the team,” Diaz remarked post-game. “We’re advancing toward our goal, bit by bit, though we know tough matches await.”
Along with extending their winning streak, this victory prolonged Colombia’s unbeaten run to 25 matches. The South American squad hasn’t tasted defeat since falling 1-0 to Argentina in February 2022.
Colombia will face Brazil in their final group game in Santa Clara, California, on Tuesday. On the same day, Costa Rica must triumph over Paraguay to have any hope of advancing to the quarterfinals.
