USA 1 Paraguay 0
Philadelphia.
The USA gets a vital win to put them in the knockout stage of the Copa America Centenario.
Who was going to join Colombia in the quarterfinals?
Both teams came into the match knowing a win will see them advance from Group A. USA was in a better position that Paraguay, and could have settled for a draw to move on to the knockout stage. A loss will be the end of their tournament.
A United States loss to Paraguay could have the host nation at the bottom of Group A if Costa Rica did the unimaginable and won their match against Colombia.
Clint Dempsey finished a cross from Gyasi Zardes with a goal in the 27th minute to give the United States an all important lead and win. The single goal was enough to put the host temporarily on top of Group A, and on their way to the quarterfinals.
Both teams had their chances in front of the goal to add to the scoreline. With a goal up, and a goal difference as a cushion, the United States were in a comfortable position, but going down a man early in the second half meant that they had to be cautious for most of the second half.
DeAndre was sent off in the 47th minute, after getting two yellow cards a minute apart. Clint Dempsey was immediately replaced with Michael Orozco to strengthen the defense. A good call on Jurgen Klinsmann part, as Paraguay could make their numerical advantage count.
Paraguay walks away from the Copa America Centenario with just a goal scored and no wins. Not what they expected.
The United States now wait to see if they stay on top to Group A.
As it stands…
| Group A | |||||||
| Team | Played | Win | Loss | Draw | GF | GA | Points |
| USA | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 6 |
| Colombia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 6 |
| Costa Rica | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| Paraguay | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
