Falcao leads Colombia to Copa America warm-up win vs. Costa Rica
Radamel Falcao's struggles at club level continue to provide no hindrance to his international form as the striker netted yet again in Colombia's 1-0 Copa America warm-up defeat of Costa Rica on Saturday.
The former Atletico Madrid star endured a difficult season with Manchester United, scoring just four goals in 26 Premier League matches, but he looked sharp in Buenos Aires and netted for the fifth time in his last five Colombia outings, going into Copa America full of confidence.
Colombia gets its campaign underway against Group C rivals Venezuela on June 14, but there was little reason for optimism during the first half of their only pre-tournament contest, lacking cutting edge and appearing somewhat toothless in attack.
But a marked improvement followed Falcao's poacher's effort at the start of the second half, while the 29-year-old's continued decisiveness on the international stage ensures Jose Pekerman an embarrassment of riches in attack for the upcoming tournament.
Uruguay confidently rounded-off its preparations with a dominant 5-1 victory over Guatemala in its final friendly before the tournament kicks off in Chile.
The Uruguayans' firepower proved uncontainable against their Central American opponents and Oscar Tabarez's men were in no mood for forgiveness as Diego Rolan opened the scoring in the fourth minute.
The Bordeaux striker controlled the ball well inside the area before powering past two defenders and finishing smartly to put his side in control early on.
Uruguay doubled its advantage after 19 minutes, as a horrible back pass from Guatemala's goalkeeper saw Rolan pounce. The forward, who was appearing in just his ninth international game, flicked the ball over the onrushing Paulo Motta before striking the post from an acute angle.
Fortunately for the 22-year-old, Uruguay's main goal-scoring hope for the Copa, Edinson Cavani, was there to tap in from close range and mark his 72nd cap with an early goal.
With half an hour on the clock, Paris Saint-Germain striker Cavani made sure of victory with a calmly taken penalty low into the bottom left hand corner to help Uruguay go into halftime with a commanding lead.
Paraguay was unable to end its preparations with a win as it was held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Honduras in Asuncion.
The home side's captain Roque Santa Cruz had a busy night in Paraguay, scoring an own goal in the eighth minute to put Honduras ahead, before equalizing on two occasions to deny the visitors a third straight victory.
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