Bolivia back out as Colombia march on in Copa
Bolivia became the first nation to be eliminated from the 2011 Copa America, going down 0-2 to Colombia in Santa Fe.
It was Chelsea target Falcao who scored both goals for Los Cafeteros, the first having sprung the Bolivian offside trap high up the field in the 14th minute, and the second a penalty just short of the half hour.
Colombia's victory means they become the first confirmed quarter-finalist in the Copa, and have five days rest until their next game in Cordoba on Saturday.
Argentina's second city is also the venue for tomorrow's make-or-break game for the hosts against Costa Rica. Nothing less than a win will do if the Albiceleste want to avoid an embarrassing first-round elimination.
In the Women's World Cup in Germany, the USA beat Brazil, Marta and all, 5-3 on penalties after a fluctuating 2-2 draw. Daiane's slice past her own goalkeeper Andreia in the second minute had given the Americans the lead, before a Marta penalty in the 68th tied things up. Marta pulled off another wonder goal two minutes into extra-time and her swivelled lob looked to have sent the Brazilians through to the final.
But, mirabile dictu, with the clock on 121 minutes, Andreia flailed at a last-ditch Megan Rapinoe cross and Abby Wambach was waiting to head in an equaliser to send the tie to penalties. Brazil then missed two of their spot-kicks and the US had completed a remarkable turnaround.
Sweden made light work of Australia, winning 3-1 in Augsburg. The Scandinavians advance to meet Japan, conquerors of Germany, in Frankfurt on Wednesday. The US, who play France the same day in Moenchengladbach, must be confident with so many big rivals out of the picture, of adding the World Cup to their Olympic crown next Sunday.
SEMI-FINALS: Japan v Sweden, USA v France
(c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile