In a sold-out crowd in Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium, the United States and Colombia will face-off in the first game of the Copa America Centenario this Friday, June 3, 2016 (6:30 PM Pacific). The much anticipated continental tournament has finally arrived, and this match has all the ingredients to turn into a memorable encounter.
The USMNT and Colombia form part of Group A which has been widely considered as the ‘Group-of-Death’. The USA is the tournament’s host plus they are never an easy opponent, Colombia has one of the most talented rosters in the competition, while Costa Rica and Paraguay are two opponents who have a good possibility of reaching the next round. All-in-all, while Colombia is the only strong title contender of the group, all four teams have a strong chance of reaching the quarterfinals.
The team coached by Jurgen Klinsmann performed well in the last two friendly games prior to Friday’s inauguration. The USMNT first faced Ecuador and won 1-0, while they also defeated Bolivia by the large scoring margin of 4-0. While only friendlies, these games demonstrated that the USA will be a difficult opponent, and considering their are the home team, they could surprise Colombia in Santa Clara.
Colombia only had one warm-up game prior to the start of the Copa America where they defeated Haiti 3-1. The team coached by Jose Pekerman has included many new faces to this roster when compared to the team which has represented the ‘cafeteros’ since the end of the Brazil 2014 World Cup. Nonetheless, this new generation is the top team Colombia has to offer, and it places them as favorite to win Group A, and as one of the top contenders to reach the final.
Where to Watch USA vs Colombia Copa America
The USA vs Colombia Copa America Group A match will be broadcast at 6:30 PM Pacific:
Watch Live Stream Online: FuboTV
TV Schedule: Univision Deportes, Fox Sports 1
Prediction
The Copa America opener will be a very close encounter between the two favorite teams from Group A. While the USA has the support of the home crowd, Colombia advantage in talent. Nevertheless, the game will be played cautiously by both sides, and in an exciting game, the score will end in a 1-1 tie.
