Kyle Jamieson has opened up on his now popular interaction with Virat Kohli, discrediting reports that the Indian captain asked him to bowl with the Dukes ball during IPL 2021.&nbsp;

The story got features in the development to the World Test Championship last, with Dan Christian specifying how Virat Kohli had presumptuously asked Kyle Jamieson to bowl him with the Dukes ball in the nets.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-mens-t20-world-cup-2021-moves-to-uae-and-oman-confirms-icc-394717" hreflang="en">Cricket: Men's T20 World Cup 2021 moves to UAE and Oman, confirms ICC</a>

However, Kyle Jamieson as of late put any misinformation to rest. Addressing Sporting News, he clarified how the interaction wasn't however fascinating as it might have been described. He said: “No, it wasn’t so much him asking. I think it was Dan just sort of adding some stuff for a good story. We were just talking about it at the start of the IPL with the cricket coming up with our UK tour and theirs as well and I mentioned that I had some Dukes balls, he had some Dukes balls as well.”

He dismissed Virat Kohli in the two innings at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, with Kyle Jamieson letting it out was engaging to face his IPL captain.

“Yeah, it was good, obviously, just being in the change room with him for six or so weeks was pretty cool. He's a world-class player and just to spend time observing how he operates and how he goes about things both on and off the field was pretty cool and you know it's nice just to be able to be friendly out in the middle even just having a bit of a laugh and a joke, while the game was going on."

While many feel Kyle Jamieson's time at RCB assisted him with improving Virat Kohli, the Kiwi pacer wasn't too certain whether that was the situation: “There wasn't too much specificity around in there having a game but yeah just nice to obviously have that relationship with someone I guess of his stature in the game. I don't know if that helped specifically around different queues and stuff but wasn't something that I necessarily contemplated."

"I think anytime you get to spend time with different world-class guys you sort of grow in confidence, you learn and become a bit more, I guess, comfortable, we come up against different guys so yeah, certainly, I guess from that perspective," he added.

Kyle Jamieson has opened up on his now popular interaction with Virat Kohli, discrediting reports that the Indian captain asked him to bowl with the Dukes ball during IPL 2021.

Kyle Jamieson has opened up on his now popular interaction with Virat Kohli, discrediting reports that the Indian captain asked him to bowl with the Dukes ball during IPL 2021. The story got features in the development to the World Test Championship last, with Dan Christian specifying how Virat Kohli had presumptuously asked Kyle Jamieson to bowl him with the Dukes ball in the nets. ALSO READ: Cricket: Men's T20 World Cup 2021 moves to UAE and Oman, confirms ICC However, Kyle Jamieson as of late put any misinformation to rest. Addressing Sporting News, he clarified how the interaction wasn't however fascinating as it might have been described. He said: “No, it wasn’t so much him asking. I think it was Dan just sort of adding some stuff for a good story. We were just talking about it at the start of the IPL with the cricket coming up with our UK tour and theirs as well and I mentioned that I had some Dukes balls, he had some Dukes balls as well.” He dismissed Virat Kohli in the two innings at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, with Kyle Jamieson letting it out was engaging to face his IPL captain. “Yeah, it was good, obviously, just being in the change room with him for six or so weeks was pretty cool. He's a world-class player and just to spend time observing how he operates and how he goes about things both on and off the field was pretty cool and you know it's nice just to be able to be friendly out in the middle even just having a bit of a laugh and a joke, while the game was going on." While many feel Kyle Jamieson's time at RCB assisted him with improving Virat Kohli, the Kiwi pacer wasn't too certain whether that was the situation: “There wasn't too much specificity around in there having a game but yeah just nice to obviously have that relationship with someone I guess of his stature in the game. I don't know if that helped specifically around different queues and stuff but wasn't something that I necessarily contemplated." "I think anytime you get to spend time with different world-class guys you sort of grow in confidence, you learn and become a bit more, I guess, comfortable, we come up against different guys so yeah, certainly, I guess from that perspective," he added.

Cricket: Kyle Jamieson reacts to famous incident involving him and Virat Kohli during IPL

Day 1 of the World Test Championship final was wiped out because of heavy rain. Around two additional long stretches of play were lost in the following two days, which means the reserve day kicked in. However, the rain resumed on Day 4&nbsp;without a ball being bowled till Tea. There is a high possibility for another washout.&nbsp;

In the event that the match ends in a draw or a tie, the World Test Championship Mace will be shared between India and New Zealand.&nbsp;

Former India and New Zealand cricketers expressed their disappointment over ICC's choice to keep just one reserve day as opposed to permitting the game to continue for full 450 overs if necessary regardless of how long it requires for the World Test Championship final to finish at the Rose Bowl.

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman and former New Zealand player Shane Bond responded after a downpour undermined another likely washout on Day 4.&nbsp;

Just 141.1 overs of play so far has been played out of the 450 overs. Even after the additional half-hour tomorrow and the full save day, it will not be feasible to try and draw near to the 450-over imprint to get an outcome if play is wiped out today.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-despite-collapse-on-day-3-india-not-out-of-the-game-says-deep-dasgupta-392929" hreflang="en">WTC Final: Despite collapse on Day 3, 'India not out of the game', says Deep Dasgupta</a>

Laxman said ICC didn't get the guidelines directly as both the teams would need to win lay their hands on the debut WTC trophy. In a conversation on Star Sports, he said: “It’s very sad for the fans. I think ICC did not get the rules right. All said and done, you want a champion. With so much time available, I’m sure they could have at least allowed 90 overs in 5 days to complete 450 overs. That’s something I would have expected from ICC. We were excited that there is a reserve day but I’m not sure whether the game can finish if the rain continues.”

Shane Bond said the odds of a draw or a New Zealand win are more a direct result of the downpour delays. He said: “Both teams wanna play to win. The other thing is that the pitch is offering so much to the bowlers that even if you have three-four days of play, we could find a result. If the weather delays go on for long, sometimes it means only one team can win if New Zealand bat well after the rain finishes, it puts them in the best position but I’m with VVS, however long it takes, I’d like to see 450 overs and one team come out on top."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-wtc-final-more-pressure-on-new-zealand-than-india-after-day-3-reckons-aakash-chopra-392925" hreflang="en">Cricket: WTC Final - More pressure on New Zealand than India after Day 3, reckons Aakash Chopra</a>

New Zealand will continue on 101-2, having bowled out India for 217 to take the advantage. Skipper Kane Williamson, batting on 12, and Ross Taylor, who is yet to score, will be seeking push for a huge first-innings lead when play begins.

Day 1 of the World Test Championship final was wiped out because of heavy rain. Around two additional long stretches of play were lost in the following two days, which means the reserve day kicked in.

Day 1 of the World Test Championship final was wiped out because of heavy rain. Around two additional long stretches of play were lost in the following two days, which means the reserve day kicked in. However, the rain resumed on Day 4 without a ball being bowled till Tea. There is a high possibility for another washout. In the event that the match ends in a draw or a tie, the World Test Championship Mace will be shared between India and New Zealand. Former India and New Zealand cricketers expressed their disappointment over ICC's choice to keep just one reserve day as opposed to permitting the game to continue for full 450 overs if necessary regardless of how long it requires for the World Test Championship final to finish at the Rose Bowl. Former India cricketer VVS Laxman and former New Zealand player Shane Bond responded after a downpour undermined another likely washout on Day 4. Just 141.1 overs of play so far has been played out of the 450 overs. Even after the additional half-hour tomorrow and the full save day, it will not be feasible to try and draw near to the 450-over imprint to get an outcome if play is wiped out today. ALSO READ: WTC Final: Despite collapse on Day 3, 'India not out of the game', says Deep Dasgupta Laxman said ICC didn't get the guidelines directly as both the teams would need to win lay their hands on the debut WTC trophy. In a conversation on Star Sports, he said: “It’s very sad for the fans. I think ICC did not get the rules right. All said and done, you want a champion. With so much time available, I’m sure they could have at least allowed 90 overs in 5 days to complete 450 overs. That’s something I would have expected from ICC. We were excited that there is a reserve day but I’m not sure whether the game can finish if the rain continues.” Shane Bond said the odds of a draw or a New Zealand win are more a direct result of the downpour delays. He said: “Both teams wanna play to win. The other thing is that the pitch is offering so much to the bowlers that even if you have three-four days of play, we could find a result. If the weather delays go on for long, sometimes it means only one team can win if New Zealand bat well after the rain finishes, it puts them in the best position but I’m with VVS, however long it takes, I’d like to see 450 overs and one team come out on top." ALSO READ: Cricket: WTC Final - More pressure on New Zealand than India after Day 3, reckons Aakash Chopra New Zealand will continue on 101-2, having bowled out India for 217 to take the advantage. Skipper Kane Williamson, batting on 12, and Ross Taylor, who is yet to score, will be seeking push for a huge first-innings lead when play begins.

WTC Final: VVS Laxman and Shane Bond slam ICC for keeping only one reserve day

The beginning of the much anticipated World Test Championship final among India and New Zealand ended up being against climatic, with the whole day at the Rose Bowl being cleaned out without even the throw occurring. Tom Latham said his team was expecting no play on Day 1, given the predictable downpours before the beginning of the day's play.&nbsp;

Tom Latham has supported the International Cricket Council's choice to have a reserve day after the first day of the season of the World Test Championship last was cleaned out. In a post-match press conference he said:&nbsp;

“It’s disappointing - the rain today, it was forecast, unfortunately, but it’s one of those things that as cricketers you need to adapt. It’s something we can’t control, it’s just about waiting, and when we get the opportunity to come on, making sure we’re ready."

“The beauty of it is there is day six as well, so there is a little extra time that we can use then. We’ll wait and see and have a look tomorrow.

“I guess for us it’s just about waiting and trying to adapt to whatever weather conditions we’re facing, whether it’s tomorrow or whenever it may be. It’s important we aren’t caught on the hop and that we’re ready when called upon. We’ve been in this situation many times as cricketers, so it’s about trying to stay ready.&nbsp;

While India has effectively named their playing XI, New Zealand will take a call depending upon the wicket. Tom Latham said, demonstrating that the day 1 washout might not have an immense effect on the team selection.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“We haven't confirmed the final XI yet. Again, we'll have to wait and see when we get the chance to have a look at the wicket, etc. Yeah, I'm sure Kane and Steady have a few contingencies in the plan, but we'll have to wait until the canvas come off and we get the chance to play,”&nbsp;

“For us, it's just about trying to wait and see and adapt to whatever conditions we're faced with, whether it's tomorrow or whenever it may be. It's important that we aren't caught on the hop, that we're ready to go when called upon. We've been in this situation many times before as cricketers” - he said.

New Zealand hasn't won an ICC tournament since 2000. Presently, as another chance calls, Tom Latham demands the players are living at the time.&nbsp;

“I certainly don't think the guys are looking too far ahead. It's about trying to, one, stay in this moment, and then when we get the chance, it's about trying to execute our skills as best we can” - he added.

The beginning of the much anticipated World Test Championship final among India and New Zealand ended up being against climatic, with the whole day at the Rose Bowl being cleaned out without even the throw occurring.

The beginning of the much anticipated World Test Championship final among India and New Zealand ended up being against climatic, with the whole day at the Rose Bowl being cleaned out without even the throw occurring. Tom Latham said his team was expecting no play on Day 1, given the predictable downpours before the beginning of the day's play. Tom Latham has supported the International Cricket Council's choice to have a reserve day after the first day of the season of the World Test Championship last was cleaned out. In a post-match press conference he said: “It’s disappointing - the rain today, it was forecast, unfortunately, but it’s one of those things that as cricketers you need to adapt. It’s something we can’t control, it’s just about waiting, and when we get the opportunity to come on, making sure we’re ready." “The beauty of it is there is day six as well, so there is a little extra time that we can use then. We’ll wait and see and have a look tomorrow. “I guess for us it’s just about waiting and trying to adapt to whatever weather conditions we’re facing, whether it’s tomorrow or whenever it may be. It’s important we aren’t caught on the hop and that we’re ready when called upon. We’ve been in this situation many times as cricketers, so it’s about trying to stay ready. While India has effectively named their playing XI, New Zealand will take a call depending upon the wicket. Tom Latham said, demonstrating that the day 1 washout might not have an immense effect on the team selection. “We haven't confirmed the final XI yet. Again, we'll have to wait and see when we get the chance to have a look at the wicket, etc. Yeah, I'm sure Kane and Steady have a few contingencies in the plan, but we'll have to wait until the canvas come off and we get the chance to play,” “For us, it's just about trying to wait and see and adapt to whatever conditions we're faced with, whether it's tomorrow or whenever it may be. It's important that we aren't caught on the hop, that we're ready to go when called upon. We've been in this situation many times before as cricketers” - he said. New Zealand hasn't won an ICC tournament since 2000. Presently, as another chance calls, Tom Latham demands the players are living at the time. “I certainly don't think the guys are looking too far ahead. It's about trying to, one, stay in this moment, and then when we get the chance, it's about trying to execute our skills as best we can” - he added.

WTC Final: Tom Latham is thankful for a reserve day as Day 1 was washed out

R. Sridhar, Team India's fielding coach has affirmed that the playing XI announced for the World Test Championship Final isn't 100% certain to play.&nbsp;

Addressing the media on Friday, R. Sridhar said the team management is certain that the playing XI reported for the WTC Final will perform well under any conditions. In any case, if necessary, Team India may consider changing the playing XI at the hour of the toss.&nbsp;

“I think the XI which has been announced is an XI that takes the pitch and conditions out of the equation. I think it is an XI that can play and perform on any given surface, in any given weather conditions. Having said that, the toss is not yet over, so if it needs to be taken, a decision will be taken at the time of the toss” - he said

Albeit not a solitary ball was bowled on the first day of the season of the World Test Championship Final, R Sridhar asserted that the Indian players would not be feeling under pressure when they take the field tomorrow.&nbsp;R. Sridhar additionally spoke about the significance of being in a positive mindset given the conceivable stop-start nature of the final.&nbsp;

“To keep them in a good mental space, that is something that is very important because they are going to be on and off the field with the weather so they will have to know how to keep their concentration going, switching on, switching off. &nbsp;

“That is something all the players are aware of, they are a very experienced bunch of players. They have played a few finals, won a few tournaments, and played a few Test matches, each one in that XI. So they all know how to do it and are in a good frame of mind, a good space.”

“There is no mental challenge really. Tomorrow is going to be the first day of the Test, and we will go in like we approach any new game. That wouldn’t be a big challenge for the boys” - he added.

R. Sridhar has supported adolescent Shubman Gill to flourish in the final notwithstanding falling off a dull home Test series against England and IPL with the Kolkata Knight Riders.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old enrolled a pitiful 119 runs in seven innings with a solitary fifty and two ducks against England. R. Sridhar dissipated worries over Shubman Gill's structure, he said:&nbsp;

“Shubman Gill is a million-dollar cricketer, isn’t he? I am not in a position to give the technical changes in his batting. But I have given throwdowns to him all these days, and he looks in good nick with an excellent mindset. He is clear about his role. That puts him in good stead for this match, irrespective of the weather. He is an excellent prospect for India, and I can’t wait to watch him perform.”

While R. Sridhar is cheerful that the game will start tomorrow, Southampton's climate gauge indicates that fans may need to stand by longer for the principal wad of the WTC Final.

R. Sridhar, Team India's fielding coach has affirmed that the playing XI announced for the World Test Championship Final isn't 100% certain to play. Addressing the media on Friday, R.

R. Sridhar, Team India's fielding coach has affirmed that the playing XI announced for the World Test Championship Final isn't 100% certain to play. Addressing the media on Friday, R. Sridhar said the team management is certain that the playing XI reported for the WTC Final will perform well under any conditions. In any case, if necessary, Team India may consider changing the playing XI at the hour of the toss. “I think the XI which has been announced is an XI that takes the pitch and conditions out of the equation. I think it is an XI that can play and perform on any given surface, in any given weather conditions. Having said that, the toss is not yet over, so if it needs to be taken, a decision will be taken at the time of the toss” - he said Albeit not a solitary ball was bowled on the first day of the season of the World Test Championship Final, R Sridhar asserted that the Indian players would not be feeling under pressure when they take the field tomorrow. R. Sridhar additionally spoke about the significance of being in a positive mindset given the conceivable stop-start nature of the final. “To keep them in a good mental space, that is something that is very important because they are going to be on and off the field with the weather so they will have to know how to keep their concentration going, switching on, switching off. “That is something all the players are aware of, they are a very experienced bunch of players. They have played a few finals, won a few tournaments, and played a few Test matches, each one in that XI. So they all know how to do it and are in a good frame of mind, a good space.” “There is no mental challenge really. Tomorrow is going to be the first day of the Test, and we will go in like we approach any new game. That wouldn’t be a big challenge for the boys” - he added. R. Sridhar has supported adolescent Shubman Gill to flourish in the final notwithstanding falling off a dull home Test series against England and IPL with the Kolkata Knight Riders. The 21-year-old enrolled a pitiful 119 runs in seven innings with a solitary fifty and two ducks against England. R. Sridhar dissipated worries over Shubman Gill's structure, he said: “Shubman Gill is a million-dollar cricketer, isn’t he? I am not in a position to give the technical changes in his batting. But I have given throwdowns to him all these days, and he looks in good nick with an excellent mindset. He is clear about his role. That puts him in good stead for this match, irrespective of the weather. He is an excellent prospect for India, and I can’t wait to watch him perform.” While R. Sridhar is cheerful that the game will start tomorrow, Southampton's climate gauge indicates that fans may need to stand by longer for the principal wad of the WTC Final.

WTC Final: If needed final decision on playing XI to be taken before toss, says R. Sridhar

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has faced several top bowlers in his prolific career. One among them was Dale Steyn, the Proteas in his prime used his menacing pace against young Virat. Now, Steyn has revealed his plan of bowling to India's top batsman.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-if-india-lose-toss-that-will-be-ideal-for-them-says-sanjay-manjrekar-ahead-of-wtc-final-392339">'If India lose toss, it will be ideal for them': Manjrekar ahead of WTC final</a>

"You've got to play the mind games with Virat. I would look at putting somebody in at short leg. I would let him know that I'm going to come at him, come at his body, want to come quickly at him. And I'd want him to try and pull, because I feel like that's his B game," Steyn told Sanjay Manjrekar on ESPNCricinfo ahead of the start of the World Test Championship final in Southampton.

"Even though he does it really well, I'd want him to think that's where I'm going to bowl, and then get it up there because I like to swing the ball, I like to move the ball. Look for those three modes of dismissals, LBW, bowled and the caught behind."

Dale Steyn talked about how important it was to bait the batsman into believing that he is being set up for a short ball while the reality would be something totally different.

"We know, every batter's feet in the first 20 balls is not moving as well as he's like to. His eyes haven't adjusted, he hasn't adapted to the wicket just yet. So I'd want him to think I'm going to go short but I'll probably bowl six full balls to him to be honest," Steyn added.

"I'll probably trying to get him to nick every single ball but I'll be telling him, 'it's coming… I'm going to hit you in the head you know'. I'm not going to swear at him but let him know that that short leg is in business."

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has faced several top bowlers in his prolific career. One among them was Dale Steyn, the Proteas in his prime used his menacing pace against young Virat.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has faced several top bowlers in his prolific career. One among them was Dale Steyn, the Proteas in his prime used his menacing pace against young Virat. Now, Steyn has revealed his plan of bowling to India's top batsman. ALSO READ: 'If India lose toss, it will be ideal for them': Manjrekar ahead of WTC final "You've got to play the mind games with Virat. I would look at putting somebody in at short leg. I would let him know that I'm going to come at him, come at his body, want to come quickly at him. And I'd want him to try and pull, because I feel like that's his B game," Steyn told Sanjay Manjrekar on ESPNCricinfo ahead of the start of the World Test Championship final in Southampton. "Even though he does it really well, I'd want him to think that's where I'm going to bowl, and then get it up there because I like to swing the ball, I like to move the ball. Look for those three modes of dismissals, LBW, bowled and the caught behind." Dale Steyn talked about how important it was to bait the batsman into believing that he is being set up for a short ball while the reality would be something totally different. "We know, every batter's feet in the first 20 balls is not moving as well as he's like to. His eyes haven't adjusted, he hasn't adapted to the wicket just yet. So I'd want him to think I'm going to go short but I'll probably bowl six full balls to him to be honest," Steyn added. "I'll probably trying to get him to nick every single ball but I'll be telling him, 'it's coming… I'm going to hit you in the head you know'. I'm not going to swear at him but let him know that that short leg is in business."

Cricket: 'You've got to play the mind games with Virat', says Dale Steyn

Colombia became the first side to book a spot in the Copa America Centenario quarter-finals after beating Paraguay in Pasadena yesterday. The United States kept their hopes of advancing alive by thrashing Costa Rica 4-0. 
 
Colombia&#39;s 2-1 win put them top of Group A on six points, with the United States on three and the other two teams on one point each. 
 
After losing their opener 2-0 to Colombia, the United States were in clinical form against the Costa Ricans in Chicago and scored three times in the first half through Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood. 
 
Substitute Graham Zusi added a fourth in the 86th minute to cap the win and improve the hosts&#39; goal difference. 
 
&quot;It was important for us to get off to an early start,&quot; said Dempsey. &quot;Once the second went in and the third we got into a bit of a rhythm.&quot; 
 
Dempsey got the first, his 50th international goal, from the penalty spot after Cristian Gamboa was adjudged to have pushed Wood in the box with six minutes gone. 
 
Dempsey was involved in the Americans&#39; second after 36 minutes when his run at the Costa Rica defence saw the ball fall to Jones, who struck a low shot from the edge of the box past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton. 
 
The third goal came five minutes later and once again it was Dempsey who set it up. Wood won the ball in midfield and played a one-two with Dempsey before turning to strike home a low drive from 15 yards out. 
 
Costa Rica, who reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014, improved in the second half with captain Bryan Ruiz playing a more influential role, but they were ineffective in the last third of the field. 
 
Ruiz hit the post with a header midway through the second half but Costa Rica lost a fourth goal in the dying moments when Zusi stole the ball in midfield and strode forward before slotting the ball home from 15 yards. 
 
In the second Group A game, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, Colombia took a 2-0 lead in the first half but were pushed hard in the second. 
 
Carlos Bacca scored the opener in the 12th minute with a header before James Rodriguez doubled Colombia&#39;s lead with a left-foot strike on the half-hour mark. 
 
Paraguay gradually played their way back into the match and hit the woodwork before half-time before forcing David Ospina into a world-class save in the 62nd minute. Colombia&#39;s goalkeeper dived full stretch to turn a header around the post. 
 
Paraguay continued to dominate the second half and were rewarded when midfielder Victor Ayala scored with a stunning 30-yard rocket in the 71st minute. 
 
However, they could not force an equaliser and Colombia hung on to take all three points and claim a berth in the next round. Paraguay must now beat the United States on Saturday to have any chance of advancing to the quarters.

United States player Clint Dempsey scored his 50th international goal in this match apart from assisting two other goals

Colombia became the first side to book a spot in the Copa America Centenario quarter-finals after beating Paraguay in Pasadena yesterday. The United States kept their hopes of advancing alive by thrashing Costa Rica 4-0. Colombia's 2-1 win put them top of Group A on six points, with the United States on three and the other two teams on one point each. After losing their opener 2-0 to Colombia, the United States were in clinical form against the Costa Ricans in Chicago and scored three times in the first half through Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood. Substitute Graham Zusi added a fourth in the 86th minute to cap the win and improve the hosts' goal difference. "It was important for us to get off to an early start," said Dempsey. "Once the second went in and the third we got into a bit of a rhythm." Dempsey got the first, his 50th international goal, from the penalty spot after Cristian Gamboa was adjudged to have pushed Wood in the box with six minutes gone. Dempsey was involved in the Americans' second after 36 minutes when his run at the Costa Rica defence saw the ball fall to Jones, who struck a low shot from the edge of the box past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton. The third goal came five minutes later and once again it was Dempsey who set it up. Wood won the ball in midfield and played a one-two with Dempsey before turning to strike home a low drive from 15 yards out. Costa Rica, who reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014, improved in the second half with captain Bryan Ruiz playing a more influential role, but they were ineffective in the last third of the field. Ruiz hit the post with a header midway through the second half but Costa Rica lost a fourth goal in the dying moments when Zusi stole the ball in midfield and strode forward before slotting the ball home from 15 yards. In the second Group A game, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, Colombia took a 2-0 lead in the first half but were pushed hard in the second. Carlos Bacca scored the opener in the 12th minute with a header before James Rodriguez doubled Colombia's lead with a left-foot strike on the half-hour mark. Paraguay gradually played their way back into the match and hit the woodwork before half-time before forcing David Ospina into a world-class save in the 62nd minute. Colombia's goalkeeper dived full stretch to turn a header around the post. Paraguay continued to dominate the second half and were rewarded when midfielder Victor Ayala scored with a stunning 30-yard rocket in the 71st minute. However, they could not force an equaliser and Colombia hung on to take all three points and claim a berth in the next round. Paraguay must now beat the United States on Saturday to have any chance of advancing to the quarters.

US hammer Costa Rica, Colombia advance at Copa America

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