The US was soundly defeated by Argentina on Tuesday night, 4–0, with Lionel Messi getting a goal and two assists, and Gonzalo Higuain scoring a brace. The US couldn’t get close to the Argentines, who looked every inch the best team in the world.
The US finally won a so-called “big game” and is into the semifinals of a major tournament. For all the caveats one might want to bring up, it’s undeniably a significant achievement for the US and for Jurgen Klinsmann.
The United States earned a semifinal berth in the Copa America Centenario, toppling Ecuador 2-1 in a contentious match in Seattle.
While optimists thought, prior to the tournament, that the US would get out of the group, few thought the US would top the group, or that the tournament landscape would look like this.
Clint Dempsey got the winner and DeAndre Yedlin got ejected as the USMNT advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa American Centenario with a 1-0 win over Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field.
An unchanged US starting lineup nevertheless looked a team transformed on Tuesday night, comprehensively demolishing Costa Rica, 4–0.
The US must win. Failing to do so opens up too many possibilities.
The United States were not up to the spectacle of the Copa America Centenario, falling 2-0 to Colombia in the tournament opener in Santa Clara.
The US begins play in the Copa America Centenario on Friday. Facing Colombia will be a tough test, but the US needs to get off to a good start to ensure their advancement from group play.
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