Copa America: Things to know, player ratings from USA's 1-0 win over Paraguay
The stars and stripes advanced to the Copa America quarterfinals on Saturday with a hard-fought victory
The U.S. men's national team is through. A 1-0 win over Paraguay saw the Americans advance from the group stage and clinch a spot in the Copa America quarterfinals. Here's player ratings and what to need to know about the match.
Things to know
1. Monumental win
The U.S. didn't have its back against the wall in the opener against Colombia, and what happened? Loss. But with the pressure on against Costa Rica and Paraguay, this team delivered. It wasn't the sharpest performance from the U.S. but there was more creativity in attack and at times the passing was just superb. The goal in the first half set the tone, and the team hung on without DeAndre Yedlin after his red card. Sure, it's great for the team it advanced, but equally important is the momentum and confidence that comes with it.
NEXT ROUND status 🇺🇸🙌 #USAvPAR#CopaAmericapic.twitter.com/5LFvVZ03IO
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) June 12, 2016
2. Brooks was fantastic
John Brooks looked awesome at the back for the U.S., using his strength and smarts to outshine Gustavo Gomez of Paraguay, a defender being courted by some big global clubs. Brooks was the top player on the field for much of the match, and his stop on that counter attack, going up against three Paraguayans, was class.
3. Klinsmann deserves credit
Where are all the Jurgen Klinsmann haters now? In the toughest group at Copa America, the U.S. advances with the German manager sticking with the same lineup that didn't impress in the opener. He believed, he had confidence, and it worked. Most managers would switch the lineup right after the first match and try improve the chemistry. He knew what he had, and it showed during the last two matches. What a performance.
#FireKlinsmann .... right? pic.twitter.com/zv1d1o7Glj
— Roger Gonzalez (@RGonzalezCBS) June 12, 2016
4. Thanks, Ticos
The great news? The U.S. is through. The even greater news? The USMNT won the group thanks to Costa Rica's 3-2 win over Colombia, which likely will see the U.S. avoid Brazil in the next round and play either Peru or Ecuador, two teams the U.S. has beaten in friendlies in recent memory. And with that, a clear path to the Copa America semifinals rests in front. What at turnaround.
Player Ratings
GK - Brad Guzan (8.0): Made a huge save before the end of the first half and two more late. A star for the hosts.
DEF - John Brooks (7.5): His stock is rising. Made a fantastic stop when it looked like Paraguay would clearly score on 23 minutes and was just sturdy throughout.
DEF - Geoff Cameron (6.0): Didn't have much to do as Brooks stole the show. He'll take it.
DEF - Fabian Johnson (6.0): Got forward and his passing was quality but wasn't involved much.
DEF - DeAndre Yedlin (4.0): A bonehead minute in the second half saw him booked twice, resulting in a red card. He put his team in a tough spot. A big mistake from the young defender.
MID - Michael Bradley (5.5): His passing in the air was a bit off, wasting a few good chances to deliver quality balls in the box. Solid overall though.
MID - Jermaine Jones (5.5): Really don't remember him doing much. Saw him go up for a header, but little else. Wasn't bad, but didn't shine.
MID - Alejandro Bedoya (5.0): Looked tired and was taken off the in the second half. Didn't do much.
FWD - Gyasi Zardes (6.0): Set up Dempsey's winner with a fine assist but missed a perfect chance to put the match away. Better, but not anything great.
FWD - Bobby Wood (5.0): The attacker didn't get the chances he would have liked and picked up a silly yellow card.
FWD - Clint Dempsey (7.0): Scored a lovely opener with power, showing why he is still the star. He comes through again big time for the red, white and blue.
Subs
DEF - Michael Orozco (5.5): Came in for Dempsey and did OK. Picked up a yellow late.
MID - Graham Zusi (6.0): Helped solidify things in the middle and played some smart passes to escape danger.
MID - Kyle Beckerman (N/A): Late sub that didn't see much of the ball.
Coach
Jurgen Klinsmann - (9.0): Stuck with his lineup and showed how much he believes in his team. Made smart changes to preserve the lead.
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