James Rodriguez was among the scorers as Colombia got their 2016 Copa America campaign off to a winning start against the United States in California.
America, hosting the competition for the first time on its 100th anniversary, fell behind on eight minutes when Cristian Zapata volleyed home.
Real Madrid playmaker Rodriguez then added a first-half penalty at Levi’s Stadium to secure the 2001 champions all three points in the Group A opener.
A bright start from Jose Pekerman’s side was rewarded when Zapata expertly converted Edwin Cardona’s corner from 10 yards.
Clint Dempsey, who saw an earlier overhead kick attempt fail, then struck the wall from a free-kick as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.
Former Fulham forward Dempsey had another shot which flew just wide as the half drew to a close before Rodriquez delivered the killer blow on 41 minutes from the spot.
2-0 - Colombia win a #CopaAmerica game by a two-goal difference for the 1st time since 2001 (2-0 v Venezuela). Start pic.twitter.com/iZvDB63zNk
— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) June 4, 2016
DeAndre Yedlin was adjudged to have handled Farid Diaz’s cross and, while there were doubts over the decision, there was none from Rodriguez who fired into the bottom left corner of Brad Guzan’s net.
The United States tried to force their way back into the game in the second half and came close when Geoff Cameron saw a header cleared off the line by Perez on the hour mark.
Five minutes later, Dempsey’s curling free-kick from 25 yards was superbly palmed away by David Ospina.
Rodriguez was later replaced, nursing an apparent shoulder injury, while Carlos Bacca crashed an effort against the bar for Colombia with 13 minutes remaining.
