Copa America Report for Premier League Players – Day 5

EPL Players at Copa America 2024 – Day 5

Two more games took place in the USA, with Colombia overcoming Paraguay and Costa Rica delivering the first shock of the tournament by drawing against Brazil. As part of our EPLNews Copa America report, here is how Premier League players involved in the tournament performed.

Colombia 2-1 Paraguay

Colombia held on despite a late push by Paraguay to earn all three points at stake in their game at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

While a 2-0 lead at half time, given by goals from Palace duo Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma, seemed comfortable enough, Paraguay pushed hard after the interval, halving the deficit through yet another goal signed by a Prem player, Brighton’s Julio Enciso.

Overall, Premier League players had mixed fortunes, with some very good performances from the likes of Muñoz and Lerma, while star players Luis Diaz and Miguel Almiron were quite anonymous and ineffective.

Ratings

Colombia: Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace) – 8.5; Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace) – 8; Luis Diaz (Liverpool) – 6

Paraguay: Miguel Almiron (Newcastle) – 5.5; Julio Enciso (Brighton) – 7.5

Brazil 0-0 Costa Rica

As they started their quest for a 10th Copa America trophy, Brazil were frustrated by Costa Rica, who held on for a draw in their game at the SoFi Stadium in California.

Despite a complete dominance by the Seleção, with 70% ball possession and 19 attempts at goal, Costa Rica were organised defensively and secured their first-ever draw in an official match against their more illustrious opponents.

In terms of Premier League players, no fewer than five featured for Brazil, with the likes of Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paqueta performing slightly better than the rest of their teammates.. Meanwhile for Costa Rica, there was one Forest player taking to the field, in the shape of Brandon Aguilera.

Ratings

Brazil: Alisson (Liverpool) – 6; Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) – 7; João Gomes (Wolves) – 6.5; Lucas Paqueta (West Ham) – 7; Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) – N/A

Costa Rica: Brandon Aguilera (Nottingham Forest) – 6