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Agence France-Presse

AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca scored the only goal as Colombia defeated the United States 1-0 to clinch third place in the Copa America Centenario on Saturday.
Bacca, 29, bundled home the winner on 31 minutes, nudging in from close range to settle a hard-fought contest.
The US, beaten 4-0 by Argentina in the semi-finals on Tuesday, rallied desperately to get back into the game but ultimately were frustrated by some superb goalkeeping from David Ospina.
It was the second time the US had been beaten by Colombia in this tournament. The Colombians also defeated them 2-0 in the tournament’s opening match.
US coach Juergen Klinsmann had blamed his side for being “too nice” against Argentina in the semi-finals, when they failed to register a single shot either on or off target.
However they were unlucky not to score during an entertaining game in Arizona.
Colombia had gone closest to scoring first, Real Madrid star James Rodriguez being denied by a fine Tim Howard save on 12 minutes.

               Chile set up Copa America Centenario final against Argentina after downing Colombia
            
Rodriguez was the architect for Colombia’s goal just after the half hour mark, chipping a wonderful pass into the path of Santiago Arias, who headed across the six yard box for Bacca to score.
The US responded gamely to the setback however, with Jermaine Jones almost equalising when his low shot deflected off Arias and just missed the target.
Seattle Sounders veteran Clint Dempsey, arguably the best US player of the tournament, had another good game but was unable to add to his Copa tally of three goals and three assists.
Dempsey almost laid on a goal for Hamburg’s Bobby Wood, but the Bundesliga-based striker was unable to get his shot away cleanly.

               Only victory in Copa America Centenario will now do for Argentina says coach Gerardo Martino
            
Dempsey produced the best American chance of the second half, with his long-range curling free-kick drawing a brilliant save from Ospina, clawing the ball away one-handed as it rocketed towards the top corner.
US coach Klinsmann later bemoaned his team’s inability to finish off any of the several chances created throughout.
“Ultimately they were clinical,” Klinsmann told reporters. 
“They took their one chance in the first half – we couldn’t take ours. There were enough chances for us to put one in but we just weren’t clinical enough and the players know that.”
However Klinsmann was satisfied with what he described as a successful campaign.
“The players realised tonight that if they raise the level of commitment and aggressiveness they can compete with these kinds of teams,” Klinsmann said.
“Getting in the final four of such a huge competition is a wonderful achievement and they should be very proud of themselves.”
The final of the Copa America takes place on Sunday, with Argentina facing Chile in East Rutherford, New Jersey.


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Copa America 2016

Colombia down USA to grab third spot at the Copa America Centenario

Carlos Bacca nets for Colombia as they scoop third place at the Copa America in Glendale, Arizona. Photo: AFP

Jun 25, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; United States midfielder Bobby Wood (7) breaks away in the second half against Colombia during the third place match of the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at University of Phoenix Stadium. Columbia beat the United States 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

GLENDALE, AZ - JUNE 25: Goalkeeper David Ospina #1 of Colombia and teammates recive their medals after defeating United States 1-0 in the 2016 Copa America Centenario third place match at University of Phoenix Stadium on June 25, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Colombia's fans celebrate in the end of the Copa America Centenario third place football match against the USA in Glendale, Arizona, United States, on June 25, 2016. Colombia won by 1-0. / AFP PHOTO / Mark RALSTON

Lionel Messi aims to end 22 years of hurt in Copa America finale

Argentina forward Lionel Messi takes part in a training session in Concepcion ahead of their final against the hosts in Santiago. Photo: AFP

Messi was at his brilliant best in the semi-final match with Paraguay. Photo: AP

Chile's own "golden generation" will see Sunday morning as their big chance to end a barren run. Photo: Reuters

Lionel Messi goes for glory at Copa America tournament

Argentina captain Lionel Messi in a light moment during a training session in La Serena, Chile, in preparation for the Copa America tournament. Photo: Reuters

Neymar will aim to erase the memory of last year's World Cup with a starring role for Brazil at the Copa America. Photo: EPA

Only victory in Copa America Centenario will now do for Argentina says coach Gerardo Martino

Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain celebrates his goal against the United States with Lionel Messi and Ezequiel Lavezzi. Photo: AP

HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina kicks the ball against DeAndre Yedlin #2 of United States in the first half during a 2016 Copa America Centenario Semifinal match at NRG Stadium on June 21, 2016 in Houston, Texas. Scott Halleran/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Jun 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; United States goalkeeper Brad Guzan (1) watches the goal by Argentina forward Gonzalo Higuain (not pictured) during the second half in the semifinals of the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Sport

Football

AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca scores the only goal as Colombia defeat the United States 1-0 to clinch third place in Arizona


Colombia down USA to grab third spot at the Copa America Centenario

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca scores the only goal as Colombia defeat the United States 1-0 to clinch third place in Arizona

AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca scores the only goal as Colombia defeat the United States 1-0 to clinch third place in Arizona