Klinsmann wants more bravado from United States

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. 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,” he added. 

The quarter-finals of the Copa America are surely full of suspense and excitement as the last eight teams are either tournament favorites or dark horses that toppled traditional powers during the group stage. 

The eight teams alive include an outstanding Argentina, while Mexico and Chile, two strong candidates, will eliminate each other, and a careful look is recommended at Colombia and the United States. The first quarter-final will be on Thursday when the US will face Ecuador. On Friday, a South American high-voltage game will be held between ascending Peru and the Colombian team led by James Rodriguez. 

On Saturday, Mexico and Chile will play in Santa Clara, while Argentina and Venezuela will face each other in Foxborough Stadium near Boston. The favourite teams include Argentina, with the showman Lionel Messi and a powerful team ready to win Copa America, after the elimination of both Uruguay and Brazil. Mexico, who play like being home thanks to the thousands of Mexican fans in the US territory, have remained undefeated since the leadership of Colombia coach Juan Carlos Osorio. Chile, on the other hand, have been unstable but are the current champion.