HOUSTON—After Colombia manager Jose Pekerman fielded a Starting XI made almost entirely of reserves in a 3-2 loss to already-eliminatedCosta Rica Saturday, he insisted his approach was a risk worth taking, even if it sets up a Copa America Centenario quarterfinal against formidable Brazil.
With passage out of Group A secured – but the top spot still in play – Perkerman rested stars James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado and others, making 10 changes in all to the side that earned Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Paraguay.
The result was an evening when Los Cafeteros found themselves often on the back foot. When it was over, they were also in second place behind the United States on goal difference after the USMNT’s 1-0 win over Paraguay.
“There is not a moment when you don’t run a risk,” Pekerman said afterward through a translator. “We considered that based on the work we did, this was the right moment to run some risk.”
Colombia will now face the winner of Group B, which will be Brazil if it beats or draws Peru on Sunday. Pekerman knew that reality, but didn’t think it was wise to predict outcomes while choosing whether to push his players or preserve them for the knockout phase.
“In the tournament, you see some illogical results … and we are seeing some games that are very, very tight,” Pekerman said. “[Deciding] what you’re going to do, it’s difficult, because there’s nothing certain at this moment in time. We can not speculate on certain results.”
Trailing 2-1 after Montreal Impact midfielder Johan Venegas scored a wondergoal for Los Ticos and sent in a cross that caused an own goal, Pekerman sent Rodriguez and Edwin Cardona at halftime to try and turn momentum.
Instead, Costa Rica padded its lead through Celso Borges in the 58th minute. And Colombia wouldn’t truly look a threat until Cuadrado came on eight minutes later.
“Costa Rica just confirmed how good a team they are,” Pekerman said. “We really thought that we would be able to really play a good game. Our objective was not [an experiment].”
Cuadrado provided the service from the right for Marlos Moreno’s goal in the 74th minute. And the volume grew at NRG Stadium as the majority of the 45,808 on hand tried to will an equalizer.
On this day, it wouldn’t come.
“Of course we are deeply sad to lose,” Pekerman said. "I am deeply sorry for all the people who came to the stadium to see us as winners.”
