USA’s preparations for the upcoming Copa America are coming to an end as they host Colombia in a final friendly game before the tournament begins.
Date: 08/06/24
Kick-off time: 22:30
Venue: FedExField
As the host country, USA will be desperate to go deep into the tournament in front of their own fans. The last time they were in the competition was in 2016, in which they were eliminated in the semi-final by Argentina, before ultimately finishing fourth. This is the furthest they have gone. After winning the CONCACAF Nations League in March, the team will be looking to add a second trophy of the year to their cabinet. This upcoming friendly game against Colombia will give manager Gregg Berhalter a final look at his squad against a high level of opponent before Copa America begins.
Colombia will also be looking ahead to Copa America, hoping to improve on their third place finish in 2021. They have been champions on one occasion, lifting the trophy in 2001 after they beat Mexico 1-0 in the final. They come into this friendly in excellent form as they have won six games in a row dating back to November of last year.
Three of Colombia’s last five games ended 1-0, so there could be a lack of goals in this game. However, the other two results were 3-2 wins, highlighting their inconsistencies in front of goal in particular. Their last seven goals have each been scored by different players, showing the multi-threat they possess in attack. USA have been strong at the back in recent months, though, keeping three clean sheets in six. They have also scored 13 in this stretch. Despite not scoring, Christian Pulisic remains one of the main men offensively following a strong season for AC Milan.
This will be the 22nd meeting between these two countries. Colombia have been largely dominant, winning 14 games and losing just three. USA are winless in seven fixtures, which includes five defeats. The last two meetings ended in a draw and Colombia win, but came in international friendlies. The last time they met competitively was at the 2016 Copa America, in the third place game. Colombia were 1-0 winners, with Carlos Bacca scoring the decisive goal after half an hour.