Colombia edge past USA to finish 3rd place in Copa America centenario

Colombia claim third place at the Copa America with a 1-0 win over hosts USA in Arizona
Carlos Bacca's first-half strike earned Colombia a 1-0 victory over the United States and third place at the Copa America.

Bacca struck after 31 minutes at the University of Phoenix Stadium as both sides finished with 10 men following the late dismissals of USA's Michael Orozco and Colombia's Santiago Arias.

James Rodriguez tested Tim Howard from distance in the 11th minute but the USA goalkeeper got down well to his left to beat away the effort.

And moments later Arias just got ahead of Clint Dempsey to clear for a corner from Alejandro Bedoya's neat pullback.

Colombia took the lead in the 31st minute with a move that carved open the USA defence.


Bacca scored in the first half at the University of Phoenix Stadium
Juan Cuadrado did well on the right touchline and fed Rodriguez on the edge of the penalty area. His chipped pass was headed back across goal by Arias and Bacca slid in to convert from close range.

Bedoya then fired over after Jermaine Jones' initial shot was blocked with the last meaningful effort of the first period.

David Ospina produced a brilliant fingertip save five minutes after break to turn Dempsey's 30-yard free-kick behind for a corner.

Rodriguez dragged an effort wide in the 56th minute and moments later Colombia came within inches of doubling their advantage when Cuadrado's delicate chip came back off the underside of the crossbar with Howard beaten.


Michael Orozco saw red along with Santiago Arias
At the other end, Bobby Wood pounced onto a loose ball in the box but hit his shot against the post and Dempsey put another good opportunity wide as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Orozco was shown a second yellow card for shoving Arias in the face and Arais followed him after appearing to push his head into Orozco's face in response.