Dempsey powers rout of Costa Rica
CHICAGO — After days of questions and criticism, the United States gave its fans a victory to cheer.
Clint Dempsey had a goal and two assists, and the U.S. rebounded from its opening loss in Copa America with a convincing 4-0 victory over Costa Rica at Soldier Field.
It was Dempsey’s 50th international goal. He also scored his first at the home of the NFL’s Bears on May 28, 2005, against England.
“Goals change games, and the guys up front took care of that,” said goalie Brad Guzan, who only had to make one save in his 16th international shutout.
Dempsey, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood scored in the first half and substitute Graham Zusi added another goal in the 87th minute as the U.S. moved into prime position to grab one of two spots in the knockout round coming out of Group A in South America’s championship.
A win against Paraguay on Saturday night in Philadelphia and the Americans are through to the next stage.
It was quite a response to days of questions after the U.S. allowed a goal off a corner kick and committed a costly hand ball in a 2-0 loss to Colombia on Friday night. Another loss and the U.S. would have been eliminated on the fifth day of the tournament.
The loss to Colombia ramped up criticism of coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who said last month the Copa goal for the Americans was the semifinals.
“I see a team that badly wants to prove itself with these caliber teams in the Copa America,” Klinsmann said after Tuesday’s win. “It was a very, very encouraging performance by us against Colombia. Obviously, the result, especially here in the U.S., that’s all that matters to a lot of people. ... The team, they know where they stand.”
Colombia 2, Paraguay 1
In Pasadena, Calif., James Rodriguez scored a goal and set up another in the first 30 minutes, and Colombia became the first team to clinch a berth in the Copa America quarterfinals.