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The USMNT’s Best Games in Copa America History

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A few USMNT games during their participation in Copa America history are worth remembering than the others.

Copa America is back to United States again this summer as they were named to hold the 2024 edition. The last one on American soil was just eight years ago. This will be USMNT’s fifth performance in CONMEBOL’s competition and their second one as a host.

The USMNT has played 18 games in the tournament's history, beginning with the 1993 edition. Their best performances came in the 1995 and 2016 editions, where they reached the semifinals. Nonetheless, they have only won five times and shared the spoils twice. A few of their matches deserve more credit to demonstrate how ‘US soccer’ has developed well. Here are those memorable matches.

USA vs Brasil (Copa America 1995)

The USMNT stunned the fans in their second appearance of Copa America. Eric Wynalda and Co managed to advance to semifinal and took on Brasil in the last four. The match was held in front of only 9,000 spectators in Maldonado, Uruguay. It was a tough game and they were forced to sit deep at the backline to keep Selecao at bay. However, the USA conceded in the 13th minute when former AS Roma player Aldair headed home at his mercy as he was unmarked in front of their goal.

Mario Zagallo’s men kept knocking on the door to extend their lead. They had several attempts from Juninho Paulista and Zinho but failed to double their advantage. Unfortunately, despite their strong defence, USMNT barely had chances to equalize. It was a narrow 1-0 loss against the World Champions. Yet, their progress was beyond expectation.  

USA vs Paraguay (Copa America 2016)

The USA hosted the 2016 Copa America Centenario. It was the second time they could go through the final four. However, they did not have a convincing campaign.

In the third game of the group stage, USMNT had to face off Paraguay to seal the berth in the quarterfinal. The match was staged in Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. It was a tight affair. Jurgen Klinsmann’s men took the initiative in the first half with three attempts before they finally opened the scoring through Clint Dempsey’s strike in the six yard box taking advantage of Gyasi Zardes’ assist from the left side.

In the second half, USA had to lose DeAndre Yedlin on the pitch due to his expulsion. Consequently, Paraguay gradually attempted to take control of the game and created opportunities to find the equalizer. Unfortunately, none of the chances hit the target as they were poor in the finishing touches. In fact, none of them was denied by USMNT goalie, Brad Guzan. The host held on till the final whistle. Their 1-0 victory was enough to topple Colombia in the final standings of the preliminary round and qualified to the round of 16.


USA vs Mexico (Copa America 1995)

It was one of USMNT’s best duels in Copa America history despite the fact that they failed to win during the normal time, let alone to score. Steve Sampson’s men faced off their archrival in CONCACAF, Mexico. The match took place in Paysandu, Uruguay. They had the advantage of playing in the same venue as USMNT finished the group stage on the top of the table.

It was an even match as both sides traded attacks and chances. Nonetheless, both were unable to break the deadlock. The United States had more shots, but Mexican shot stopper, Jorge Campos, saved at least three clear chances, whereas Brad Friedel only made one save in 90 minutes. The game went to penalties after a goalless draw during the normal time. This time the young Friedel stole the show by denying two penalties from Carlos Hermosillo and Hector Coyote, while all USMNT executors succeeded. They beat El Sombrero 4-1 and advanced semifinal.

USA vs Argentina (Copa America 1995)

The match in Paysandu on July 14th 1995 was probably USMNT’s best performance in their Copa America participation. They were able to dismantle Argentina 3-0 in a decisive last game of the group stage. USA only had three points in hand while Gabriel Batistuta and co had six points already and sat on the top of the table. Albiceleste only needed a draw to secure the spot. However, what happened on the pitch was quite the opposite.

Steve Sampson’s side went all out and stunned Daniel Passarella’s men as Frank Klopas found the back of the net in the 20th minute. 11 minutes later, the centre back, Alexi Lalas tucked it away to double their lead. They even sealed their win after Eric Wynalda scored the third, which was also his third goal in the tournament. Such victory led them secure the top of the standings and forced Argentina to finish second and met their archrival, Brasil, too early in the quarterfinal. USA eventually progressed further to the last four while Albiceleste lost to Selecao on penalties.


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