Jürgen Klinsmann’s side will battle Jose Pekerman’s side once again in a rematch of the inaugural game of this Copa America Centenario. The United States and Colombia will play for third place at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Klinsmann’s side is coming off a disappointing 4-0 loss against Argentina while Los Cafeteros lost 2-0 against Chile in a match which was delayed more than two hours due to inclement weather. The opening match between the two teams finished 2-0 in favor of Colombia with goals from Carlos Bacca and James Rodriguez.
Colombia Looking Forward
Head Coach Pekerman has led his side to the semifinal for the first time since the Copa America in Peru in 2004. It’s been 12 years since Colombia has made it this far as they are looking ahead to finish the tournament in the best possible fashion.
After the loss against Chile, Pekerman has said that he will look to maintain a majority of the starting lineup with a couple changes. Pekerman was heavily criticized during the final group stage match against Costa Rica where he decided to put 10 new players into the starting lineup and would end up losing and giving up the first place spot in Group A.
Colombia will be without key center midfielder Carlos Sanchez, who is suspended after receiving a red card on Wednesday. Sebastian Perez will be the starter most likely as he started the tournament in Colombia's midfield but, was then replaced by Carlos Sanchez who was coming off an injury.
Pekerman has stated that he is content about the match for third place and that although in other big tournaments third place matches seem to have little significance, he does not feel that way.
All Out For the Hosts
The big news from manager Jürgen Klinsmann is that Tim Howard will start in goal. He has become the second choice behind Brad Guzan. Tim Howard’s last appearance for the USMNT was in the friendly against Puerto Rico in preparation for the Copa America.
The third place match will be a perfect opportunity for Klinsmann to add new faces to the starting lineup. John Brooks and Fabian Johnson are in doubts but, will be decided right before the game if they’re match fit. Christian Pulisic and Darlington Nagbe have been the names fans have been wanting to see, and what better stage than at a major tournament in a game that is decisive.
Despite the young talent in the side, Klinsmann has said that he will bring out his best lineup and try to trouble Colombia. "This game tomorrow is another opportunity for the guys -- before they go in all directions again -- to show everyone that we are growing, that we are getting stronger," he said. "And we want to have that opportunity in such a big tournament to go eye-to-eye with those nations. It's not going to be a friendly game."
With the new faces, Klinsmann says he wants to give them time as he doesn’t want to expose Pulisic too early as giving him a few minutes over time will benefit him, he describes it as a learning curve. Klinsmann will be looking to have Jermaine Jones, Alejandro Bedoya, and Bobby Wood back in the starting 11 as they were absent in the semifinal against Argentina due to injury.