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Copa America returns tonight with the first set of final group stage games. Saturday night’s matches see the United States play Paraguay, and a nightcap of Colombia against Costa Rica.
Colombia is the only team in the group to guarantee themselves a spot in the knockout rounds, but hope still abounds for the other three teams. No, it’s not quite known why Copa America officials didn’t deem it important for the final group stage games to begin at the same time.
United States vs. Paraguay
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, USA
Time: 7:00 pm ET
TV/Streaming: USA (Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2 Go, Univision, Univision Deportes, Unimas, fuboTV), Canada (Univision), UK (Premier Sports)
Full Listings: Other Countries
The game is very simple for the United States. If they win, they’ll advance to the next round. They can still possibly advance with a draw, and they’re eliminated with a loss. A loss could possibly mean the end of the Jurgen Klinsmann era with the USMNT, but you never know with US Soccer’s cheapness.
Paraguay haven’t won away from home against a Top 50 team in a very long time, so they're definitely the underdog in the contest. However, if they can prevent an early American goal, they could frustrate the States into playing to high up the field before catching them on a counter.
Colombia vs. Costa Rica
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, USA
Time: 8:00 pm local time, 9:00 pm ET
TV/Streaming: USA (Fox Sports 2, Fox Soccer 2 Go, Fox Sports Go, Univision, Univision Deportes, Unimas, fuboTV), Canada (Univision), UK (Premier Sports)
Full Listings: Other Countries
This match will be interesting to see what kind of lineup Colombia play. They’ve already guaranteed themselves a spot in the knockout rounds, and it’s unlikely that the USA can pass them via goal differential. It’s possible that they could rest some players and give Costa Rica a chance.
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