When the United States Men’s National Team began its Copa America Centenario journey almost two weeks ago, advancing out of Group A was considered the minimum barometer for success. But A rocky start in the form of a 2-0 loss to Colombia cast doubt on the Americans’ chances of reaching the knockout stages and did little to quell lingering concerns after a largely disappointing 2015.
Since then, Jurgen Klinsmann’s side has responded with a pair of victories — a 4-0 demolition of Costa Rica and a hard-fought 1-0 result over Paraguay — to top the group and secure a spot in the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals on Thursday.