They did it. The USA not only advanced from Group A of the Copa America Centenario with their victory over Paraguay, but they finished in first place after Costa Rica shocked Colombia 3-2 in the final match of the group.
- COPA AMERICA CENTENARIO: Read about the tournament and get tickets for Thursday's match
As the top team in Group A, the Americans now know they will take on Ecuador, the second-place finishers from Group B, a spot they guaranteed with a 4-0 win over Haiti on Sunday afternoon. The winner of Sunday's Brazil-Peru match will take the top spot in Group B and face Colombia, with Brazil taking first in case of a tie.
The Copa America Centenario began with 16 teams. By the end of Tuesday night, June 14, the field will be cut in half with only eight nations advancing to the quarterfinal knockout stage -- the top two finishers in each of the four groups.
Here's how the quarterfinal picture is shaping up:
Clinched quarterfinal berth:
- Group A: Colombia, USA
- Group B: Ecuador
- Group C: Mexico, Venezuela
- Group D: Argentina
Officially eliminated from Copa America in group stage
- Group A: Paraguay, Costa Rica
- Group B: Haiti
- Group C: Uruguay, Jamaica
- Group D: Bolivia
What about the rest of the field?
- GROUP B: Brazil (4 pts) are in the driver's seat and advance with a win or draw in their final match against Peru (4 pts). Ecuador (2 pts) can automatically advance with a win by two goals or more over Haiti (0 points). Ecuador would also advance with a one-goal win if Brazil-Peru produces a winner OR Ecuador score more goals in their win over Haiti than Peru score in a tie with Brazil (e.g. Ecuador win 3-2, Peru and Brazil tie 2-2). Peru can advance with a win over Brazil; they can only advance with a tie against Brazil if Ecuador defeat Haiti by no more than one goal AND Peru match the number of goals that Ecuador score in that win.
- GROUP C: With both Mexico (6 pts) and Venezuela (6 pts) already in the quarterfinals, their match on Monday night will determine who will go through as C1 or C2.
- GROUP D: With Argentina (6 pts) already mathematically through, all eyes will be on the Chile vs. Panama match on Tuesday night. Chile (3 pts), the defending champs, will join Argentina with a win or draw. Panama (3 pts) need a win at all costs.
