How it happened: Colombia booked their place in the Copa America’s knockout stages as a Radamel Falcao brace gave them a straightforward 2-0 win over Bolivia in Santa Fe.
The Porto striker, whose performance will do nothing to dampen speculation that he is to be reunited with André Villas-Boas at Chelsea, opened the scoring after 15 minutes when he timed his run to perfection before sliding Dayro Moreno’s through-ball past Arias in the Bolivian goal.
The 25-year-old, who has now scored nine times in 31 international appearances, doubled his tally on 28 minutes after Pablo Armero was chopped down by Santos Amador inside the box.
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Falcao waited for Arias to commit himself before side-footing the ball to the keeper’s right to make it 2-0.
From then on, Colombia were never in any danger as Bolivia failed to get a foothold in the game. After the break, Falcao had three clear-cut opportunities to take home the match ball but couldn’t convert as the game petered out.
Key player: Falcao, obviously. The striker’s sparkling form of last season has continued in the tournament so far and, though he will be disappointed with some of the chances he missed in the second half, his opening goal showed just how deadly he can be.
Turning point: Colombia’s second, coolly dispatched from the spot by Falcao, which effectively ended the game as a contest after just 28 minutes.
What it means: Colombia top Group A with seven points. They will be joined by either Argentina or Costa Rica in the knockout stages with the hosts needing a win to guarantee their progress.
Next up: Group A’s final game, Argentina vs. Costa Rica, kicks-off at 01:45 BST this evening.
Juego Bonito: the best bits (and the worst) from last night’s Copa America action
Group A: Colombia 2-0 Bolivia
How it happened: Colombia booked their place in the Copa America’s knockout stages as a Radamel Falcao brace gave them a straightforward 2-0 win over Bolivia in Santa Fe.
The Porto striker, whose performance will do nothing to dampen speculation that he is to be reunited with André Villas-Boas at Chelsea, opened the scoring after 15 minutes when he timed his run to perfection before sliding Dayro Moreno’s through-ball past Arias in the Bolivian goal.
The 25-year-old, who has now scored nine times in 31 international appearances, doubled his tally on 28 minutes after Pablo Armero was chopped down by Santos Amador inside the box.
Falcao waited for Arias to commit himself before side-footing the ball to the keeper’s right to make it 2-0.
From then on, Colombia were never in any danger as Bolivia failed to get a foothold in the game. After the break, Falcao had three clear-cut opportunities to take home the match ball but couldn’t convert as the game petered out.
Key player: Falcao, obviously. The striker’s sparkling form of last season has continued in the tournament so far and, though he will be disappointed with some of the chances he missed in the second half, his opening goal showed just how deadly he can be.
Turning point: Colombia’s second, coolly dispatched from the spot by Falcao, which effectively ended the game as a contest after just 28 minutes.
What it means: Colombia top Group A with seven points. They will be joined by either Argentina or Costa Rica in the knockout stages with the hosts needing a win to guarantee their progress.
Next up: Group A’s final game, Argentina vs. Costa Rica, kicks-off at 01:45 BST this evening.
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Read more of TheScore.ie‘s coverage of the Copa America here >
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Copa America Olé! Radamel Falcao Bolivia Colombia