Third-place playoff pits USMNT vs. Colombia
Having defied soccer experts for nearly a full month now, can the U.S. men’s national team muster one last victory as the Copa America Centenario draws to a close?
Jurgen Klinsmann’s club meets Colombia tonight in the tournament’s third-place game. Hours before the two teams hit the pitch in Glendale, Ariz., online sports book Bovada.lv gives Los Cafeteros odds of +130 to prevail. The USMNT is considered a +195 underdog.
Colombia and the U.S. actually kicked off Group A competition on June 4. Jose Perkman’s crew collected a 2-0 victory then, but the Americans bounced back with three straight shutouts vs. Costa Rica, Paraguay and Ecuador. Earlier in the week, though, Klinsmann’s troops couldn’t keep Argentina from lighting up the scoreboard. La Albiceleste whipped the Stars and Stripes, 4-0, setting up tomorrow’s championship match against Chile.
Los Cafeteros, however, look plenty susceptible at the moment. Defending champion Chile dismissed them in the semifinals, 2-0, and star midfielder James Rodriguez remains mired in a scoreless funk. Tim Howard, rather than Brad Guzan, will attempt to keep Rodriguez and the crew in check this evening. Anticipate a defensive struggle as both coaches also look to give younger players some major international experience.
SATURDAY COPA AMERICA PICK: UNITED STATES/COLOMBIA UNDER 3 GOALS
Want More Picks, Predictions & Odds From The Spread.com? Follow on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!