PASADENA, Calif. – By virtue of a 2-1 win over Paraguay on Tuesday night, Colombia became the first team to secure a spot in the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals, doing so with one game left in the group stage.
"We are very satisfied with the win, and happy to get the result we needed, which bolsters the confidence in the work we’ve been doing,” Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said in his post-game press conference.
It was the first victory for Colombia over Paraguay in a Copa America in 29 years, a win that sealed the pass to the next round.
Pekerman, however, acknowledged that the team struggled too much in the second half due to the lack of experience and playing time of some of his young players.
"We had a great first half, and Paraguay had a great second half. The merit is for both teams,” Pekerman said.
“Paraguay was more powerful and we created chances,'' he added. "Perhaps what played against us is the fact that we noticed that in counterattack we could get another goal easily.''
Colombia forward Carlos Bacca, of Inter Milan, agreed with Pekerman that the team did not play as well in the second half, but said the result is what counts.
“We had a couple of chances to increase the score in counterattacks but the main goal was achieved," he said.
While Colombia appeared to struggle on defense at times, Pekerman preferred to give all the credit to Paraguay.
"Paraguay has excellent forwards,” the coach said. “We may look to stay focused, but sometimes it can not be avoided, even the specialists in set pieces, the Paraguayans, get these type of goals."
