After dominating the ball for the second straight game, Colombia lead 1-0 at the break thanks to a penalty shot from Luis Diaz in the 31st minute.
In front of 27,386 pro-Colombian fans at State Farm Stadium, Los Cafeteros won Group D with a strong performance as they continued to apply pressure in the second half.
Later on Friday, Brazil was supposed to take on Paraguay.
Since losing to Argentina in a 2022 World Cup qualifying, Colombia has won 10 straight games and is unbeaten in 25 (20-0-5) overall. No shots were attempted on goal by Costa Rica.
Despite being outshot 18–2, Costa Rica managed a scoreless draw with nine-time Copa America champion Brazil, providing the first notable surprise of the competition.
Things didn’t go according to plan for the tournament’s youngest roster as Los Ticos faced off against another outstanding club in the desert.
Colombia dominated the ball early against Costa Rica and held 66% of the possession in their first-round 2-1 victory over Paraguay.
In the fifth minute, Diaz had the first clear opportunity, but his header slid narrowly over the crossbar. In the twentieth minute, James Rodriguez had the first chance on goal, but Patrick Sequeira made a diving stop.
Sequeira stopped a charging Cordoba at the edge of the penalty area, setting Diaz up for the penalty kick. Los Cafeteros persisted in applying pressure, almost missing a second goal when Sanchez failed to get a head on a bouncing cross from Diaz.
Colombia maintained possession in the second half after holding 71% in the first.
Luis Diaz, who poses a constant threat to Costa Rica, is Colombia’s most promising player in this match aside from Sanchez. The Liverpool player had three shots, four chances created, and two successful dribbles in terms of attack.
Additionally, he plays defence exceptionally well, winning 6/10 duels and making 4 recoveries.
In the 59th minute, Sanchez made it 2-0 with a header off a corner kick. When Cordoba got by Costa Rica’s defence and defeated Sequeira from a difficult angle, he scored.
Additionally, Colombia defeated Costa Rica 3-0 on Friday to advance to the Copa America quarterfinals.