Colombia downs Costa Rica

 Copa America 2024: Colombia downs Costa Rica, could play in Arizona again next week

Eight years ago, South America's CONMEBOL soccer federation made the bold move to hold its 100th anniversary continental soccer championship tournament in the United States. Three matches were held at what is now State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

In 2024, Copa America is back in the U.S, and the home of the Arizona Cardinals is host once again to three matches. The first took place Friday, a Group D match between Colombia and Costa Rica. It was little surprise which team's fans would have the largest presence. Colombia fans traditionally travel well to FIFA World Cups, and many came from South America and other parts of the U.S., washing the stadium yellow.

Colombia can seize control of the group with a win, while Costa Rica can move in to first place temporarily if it gets the three points from what would be an upset victory. Follow along for live updates.

Copa America 2024 final: Colombia 3, Costa Rica 0

Colombia has qualified for the Copa America quarterfinals with its 3-0 win over Costa Rica Friday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The South American team still has one match to play, against Brazil on Tuesday in Santa Clara, Calif.

Things could not have gone much better for Colombia, which dominated everywhere, from game stats to fans in the seats. Colombia is in a good spot to win Group D, and if that happens, the team returns to Glendale for the quarterfinals against either the U.S. or Panama, most likely.

Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo remained undefeated since being brought on two years ago to guide the team.

"We're a good team. But we also have good character. It's no miracle. They're good players," Lorenzo said after the game, in Spanish. "The quality of the players is what makes the difference. On the field they pressure, they stick to the game plan. ... Today was a game we dominated from start to finish." 

Costa Rica head coach Gustavo Alfaro recognized the talent disparity.

"The other team was clearly on another level," Alfaro said in Spanish. "These losses hurt, no one likes to lose, especially 3-0, but we have to understand and learn how to get things done."

Not a bad crowd for Copa America Colombia vs Costa Rica

The attendance has been announced for today's Copa America match between Colombia and Costa Rica. It's 27,386, which is pretty solid given that it was a 3 p.m. local time kickoff on a Friday, in a market without a large Colombian or Costa Rican population.

Clearly many folks came from far away and gave this game a lively atmosphere.

Two quick goals, Colombia in control over Costa Rica

The second half has seen Colombia take full control of a match it was already dominating against Costa Rica. Davinson Sanchez scored off a corner kick with a header in the 59th minute, making it 2-0 Colombia, and with the crowd already in a frenzy, Jhon Cordoba's solo effort led to a right-footed shot from a side angle which was perfectly placed.

It's now a full-fledged party at State Farm Stadium for the Colombia faithful, who only need some salsa music to complete the festivities. Colombia has looked good the entire match and has kept up the attack throughout the match.

Star midfielder James Rodriguez just left the game for a sub in the 72nd minute. He got a huge ovation from the crowd and clapped his hands in appreciation of the support.

Colombia takes first-half lead on penalty kick

After a foul near the edge of the box by Costa Rica, Colombia was awarded a penalty kick without video review and Luis Diaz converted it in the 31st minute. Colombia leads 1-0.

The thousands of "Cafeteros" fans, and even some journalists in the press box at State Farm Stadium, rise to their feet and raise their voices as Colombia comes close to scoring a goal, and it happened a few times in the first half.

Costa Rica is trying to dig on defense, not getting much possession of the ball. Diaz, a forward who plays for Liverpool in the English Premier League, missed a header in the sixth minute that went high of the net. Then James (pronounced "Ha-mess") Rodriguez had his left-footed attempt saved by Costa Rica goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira in the 20th minute.