Skip to main content

Colombia 2 Costa Rica 3: Pekerman changes costly

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman might be wondering if 10 changes was a few too many after his team went down 3-2 against Costa Rica in their final Copa America Centenario group game.

Pekerman and Co. looked to be in control of the group after seeing off the United States and Paraguay ahead of their final group game against Costa Rica, but their complacency was punished as they finished behind the hosts in disappointing circumstances, setting up a potential quarter-final clash with Brazil in the process.

Costa Rica, having already been eliminated following the United States' 1-0 win over the Paraguayans earlier on Saturday, had Arsenal's Joel Campbell named among the substitutes with Sporting CP's Bryan Ruiz chosen to lead the line.

He followed the sublime with the calamitous when his disastrous own goal put Costa Rica back into the lead when he bundled Venegas' cross into his own net at the far post.

Substitute Juan Cuadrado set up Moreno for Colombia's second as they chased a crucial equaliser but they could not find it as Pekerman was left to rue his selection.