JHON Cordoba, James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz scored in the first half as Colombia cruised to a 5-0 win over Panama and advanced to the Copa America semifinals on Sunday (7/7) WIB.
Colombia, who went into the match once morest Panama on a 26-match unbeaten run, struck immediately to record their 27th win through Cordoba’s header following just eight minutes from Rodriguez’s corner.
Los Cafeteros doubled their lead less than 10 minutes later through Rodriguez’s penalty.
The penalty was awarded following Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera brought down Jhon Arias.
The goal was Rodriguez’s 28th for the Colombian national team.
Colombia made it 3-0 in the 41st minute through Diaz’s counter-attack. The goal was also the result of Rodriguez’s assist.
Also read: Here is a list of 8 teams that advanced to the Copa America quarter-finals
Panama were not without chances in the first half, including an effort that hit the crossbar before being cleared by Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.
Colombia scored their fourth goal in the 70th minute through Richard Rios’ long-range shot.
The score became 5-0 for Colombia’s advantage over Panama in injury time through Miguel Borja’s penalty execution.
In the Copa America semifinals, which will be played on Thursday (11/7) WIB, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Colombia will face the winner of the match between Brazil and Uruguay. (espn/Z-1)
#Colombia #Thrashes #Panama #Advances #Copa #America #Semifinals
