Lorenzo eases James injury fears after Colombia seal Copa America progress

By Sports Desk June 29, 2024

Nestor Lorenzo allayed any concerns over James Rodriguez's fitness after Colombia's 3-0 victory over Costa Rica at the Copa America.

Colombia made light work of Costa Rica at State Farm Stadium on Friday, securing their progression from Group D in the process.

A point in Colombia's final group match, against Brazil, will ensure they finish ahead of the Selecao, who are all but through after hammering Paraguay 4-1.

James was hugely influential for Lorenzo's team, creating a game-leading five chances and providing an exquisite assist for Jhon Cordoba to slot in and make it 3-0 in the 62nd minute following earlier goals from Luis Diaz and Davinson Sanchez.

The former Real Madrid playmaker was taken off in the 72nd minute, but coach Lorenzo said it was a precaution.

"James is fine," Lorenzo told the media. "He wanted to continue, but thinking of what is coming, it seemed prudent to change him."

James, who was left out of Colombia's squad in 2021, has already registered three assists across his two matches at this edition of the Copa America.

Since such data has been recorded (from 2011), only Lionel Messi has set up more goals in a single edition of the tournament (five in 2021, four in 2016).

Colombia have now gone 25 matches without defeat (20 wins, five draws), marking the second-longest unbeaten streak in their history, behind a 27-match run (13 wins, 14 draws) between 1992 and 1994.

"I think we have played good games against great rivals," Lorenzo added, after seeing Colombia record their 11th win over Costa Rica from what was a 14th meeting.

"There was a more pronounced and continued dominance. The boys played a great game."

Should they seal top spot in Group D, Colombia are likely to avoid going up against Marcelo Bielsa's in-form Uruguay in the last eight.

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    Mexico were the favourites to progress from Group B at the start of the tournament, yet instead the 2026 World Cup co-hosts find themselves as the biggest casualty so far.

    Ecuador held out for a 0-0 draw on Sunday that sent them through at the expense of Mexico on goal difference.

    And Lozano, who led Mexico to the Gold Cup title last year, conceded a decision on his future is out of his hands.

    "Whenever an objective is not meant, there is certain discomfort and doubts, that's only natural, no matter who's here," Lozano said.

    "But the players kept believing until the very end, that's not easy. It's not easy to play that strong union and the commitment that they showed ... over the whole tournament.

    "That decision about my future is not up to me."

    Mexico had 19 shots but only got three on target, accumulating just 0.89 expected goals (xG) against Ecuador, who will face Argentina in the quarter-finals.

    Ecuador coach Felix Sanchez said: "We know it is an unmatched opponent, and we know how tough it's going to be, but our players are happy that they've moved to the next round, and we'll see how that unfolds," he added.

    "It is another final for us, and we will try to compete against the world's champion and the world's best team.

    "I believe that our team is going to be extremely motivated with a very high morale and trying to play a good match.

    "I have full confidence in our players. I know they are going to give their best as they've done in the three matches. We know how tough it is, but it is 11 against 11, and we're going to do whatever we can to win it."

    Venezuela, meanwhile, stayed perfect by hammering already-eliminated Jamaica 3-0 in Austin.

    They will take on Canada in the last eight.

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     The match started with a glimmer of hope for Jamaica as Michael Hector, making his record-extending ninth Copa America appearance, struck on target in the sixth minute. However, the early optimism quickly faded as Venezuela began to assert their dominance.

     Jamaican goalkeeper Jahmali Waite made a crucial save in the 42nd minute, deflecting a powerful shot from Darwin Machis to keep the score-line level at half time. Despite Waite’s efforts, Venezuela broke the deadlock early in the second half. Eduard Bello headed home a cross in the 49th minute to give Venezuela the lead.

     The South American side doubled their advantage in the 56th minute when Salomon Rondon found the back of the net with a precise hit inside the box. Jamaica continued to search for their first goal of the match, with Kaheim Dixon coming close in the 77th minute, but his attempt was off target.

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