Sports

Copa America: Klinsmann wants more bravado from US

Hosts take on Ecuador in quarter-final as manager promises attacking approach

Afp June 16, 2016

The USMNT can at least equal their best-ever Copa finish of fourth if they win against Ecuador tonight. PHOTO: AFP

SEATTLE: United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann wants his team to shed their ‘underdog’ mentality as they prepare for a quarter-final showdown with Ecuador tonight.

Klinsmann’s side upset the form book by qualifying as winners of Group A, topping a pool that included World Cup quarter-finalists Colombia and Costa Rica as well as last year’s Copa America semi-finalists Paraguay.

It has left the Americans buoyed by confidence as they kick-off the knockout rounds against opponents they defeated 1-0 in a pre-tournament friendly just over three weeks ago.

Brazil sack Dunga after early Copa America exit

While Ecuador appear to be hitting form at the right time, Klinsmann wants to see the Americans adopt an aggressive approach.

“What we’d love to see is that we are more confident and courageous against the big teams,” said Klinsmann. “Not just playing counter-break football.

That we really go and push it higher up. The whole old story is the underdog story and I cannot hear that story anymore. I want to see the guys risk things, let’s go for it.”

Copa America: Corona stunner earns Mexico draw, top spot in group

Argentina take 100% record into quarter-finals

Argentina maintained their 100% start to the Copa America Centenario with an easy win over Bolivia, while holders Chile also booked their place in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

The tournament favourites, already assured of a quarter-final berth after wins over Chile and Panama, wrapped up their Group D campaign with a one-sided win at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field.

The victory sees Argentina reach the last eight as group winners, handing them what in theory should be a straightforward assignment against Venezuela in Foxborough on Saturday.

In Tuesday’s other game, Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas both scored twice as Chile advanced with a 4-2 victory over Panama.

The defending champions will now face Mexico in the pick of the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 16^th, 2016.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.