Sunday, October 29, 2023.- In a match valid for Group B, the United States defeated Colombia 1-0, earning their spot in the football semifinals at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, where they will face Chile.
The North Americans and the 'Cafetaleros' were completely tied in everything for this match: points (3), goal difference (0), and goals scored (2). In the event of a draw, the classification could have been decided by fair play (favoring Colombia) or even a draw.
However, the total parity remained only until the 63rd minute when Tega Ikoba opened the scoring for the Americans. With the lead, the North Americans played more relaxed, imposed their game more clearly, and even increased their lead with a goal from Rodrigo Neri (76').
U.S. defender Nicolás Carrera commented on the victory and the qualification. “This is thanks to teamwork that began in the first game against Brazil and continues until now. We fought, played with our hearts, and we are already in the group stage, which is a source of pride for our nation,” he described.
The North American full-back also referred to the semi-final clash against Chile: “We are in their home, there will be all the expectation there, and we will likely have the entire stadium against us. We will fight against all odds, but that excites us. Chile won't be easy, but we will prepare as best as possible.”
The semi-finals, as well as the matches between the fifth and eighth places in football, will be played on Wednesday, November 1. At 12:00 p.m. local time in Valparaiso, Uruguay and Colombia face off to determine 5th and 6th place. At 2:00 p.m. local time in Viña del Mar. The Dominican Republic and Honduras will determine 7th and 8th place.
The semi-finals, on the other hand, will feature Chile against the United States at 5:00 p.m. at Estadio Elías Figueroa, while Brazil will clash with Mexico at 8:00 p.m. at Estadio Sausalito.
Written by Marcelo López-Diego Mora; translated by Rocio Rojas / Santiago 2023 via Photosport
Photo by Manuel Lema / Santiago 2023 via Photosport
