Colombia defeats Costa Rica to qualify for Copa America's Round of 16 and extends win streak to 25 games

Colombia made light work of Costa Rica in its second Copa America group game by extending its unbeaten streak to 25 matches, qualifying for the tournament's round of 16 in the process.

And in doing so, James Rodriguez & Co. have cemented themselves as the tournament's team to beat.

Colombia started well and took the lead in the 31st minute through Liverpool winger Diaz, who confidently converted from the penalty spot after Costa Rica goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira bundled over striker Jhon Cordoba in the box.

As Costa Rica pressed for an equalizer, they left themselves open on the break and Colombia made them pay, with Sanchez heading home from a corner in the 59th minute before Cordoba rounded out the scoring three minutes later (62') after being played through on goal by Rodriguez.

Colombia top their group with six points after two matches, ahead of Costa Rica and Brazil, who have one point each. Brazil play Paraguay later on Friday. The win was Colombia's tenth consecutive victory in all competitions and maintained an impressive run of 20 wins and five draws since March 2022, with their last defeat coming in a 1-0 loss to Argentina in February 2022.

Colombia controlled possession (66 percent) in its opening 2-1 win over Paraguay and did so once again in Phoenix, Arizona, against Costa Rica (62 percent).

The crowd also played a huge part in the 3-0 win for Los Cafeteros, with 27,386 pro-Colombian fans showing up at State Farm Stadium.

Costa Rica had been the first big surprise of the tournament, playing nine-time Copa America champion Brazil to a scoreless tie despite being outshot 18-2.

Colombia will now look to test itself against the best by facing Brazil in its final Group D game, although some starters may be rested due to the team's qualification status.

Costa Rica will need a win against Paraguay to maintain any hopes of reaching the Round of 16.