The United States stumbled to a 3-1 loss to Colombia in its final group-stage game at the Under-17 World Cup in India on Thursday, and will play Paraguay, Germany or Iran in the second round next week.
The Americans (2-1) began the day leading Group A but fell to third place with the defeat at Navi Mumbia, falling behind Ghana on goal difference and Colombia on head-to-head. Depending on results in other groups, the U.S. would play Paraguay on Monday in New Delhi, or Germany or Iran on Tuesday at Goa.
Colombia went ahead in the third minute when Andres Cifuentes’ long throw-in bounced between Chris Durkin and Jaylin Lindsey at the top of the 6-yard box and Deiber Caicedo used his back to tap the ball to Juan Vidal, who beat goalkeeper Justin Garces from 3 yards.
The U.S. tied the score after a throw-in in the 24th when Andrew Carleton dribbled to the end line and pulled the ball back to George Acosta, who one-timed the ball with a right-footed shot from 12 yards.
Juan Penaloza put Colombia back ahead in the 67th minute with a 19-yard free kick after Jaylin Lindsey shoved Etilso Martinez, who tried to dribble past him just to the left of the penalty area.
Penaloza cut between Chris Gloster and Sergino Dest, then crossed to an unmarked Caicedo, who scored the final goal from 6 yards in the 88th.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.