Before the outset of the Copa America tournament, before kicking off in Santa Clara last week, Team USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann claimed that the goal was to get to the final four. Many thought that such a goal would be a bit too lofty for the hosts, with Colombia in their group and Brazil their likely quarterfinal opponent. Although now, with Group A all wrapped up, it seems that the final four may not be out of the questionfor Klinsmann and co.

Behind Clint Dempsey's goal in the 27th minute, the US did just enough to hold onto a 1-0 win over Paraguay despite playing much of the second half with 10 men. Seattle native and former Sounder Deandre Yedlin was shown a red card in the 48th minute. As a consequence, the US will be without their starting right back for the first round of the knockout stage in Seattle.

Yedlin made a hard challenge on a Paraguay counterattack, but seemed to have gotten the ball. Even so the referee didn't agree and showed Yedlin a yellow card. Less than a minute later, Yedlin made another hard challenge, knocking over a Paraguayan player hard enough to bring out the training staff. As a result Yedlin was quickly shown his second yellow in the span of a minute and sent off for the remainder of the match in Philadelphia. 

Costa Rica helped the US immensely by pulling out a surprise defeat of Colombia after they had been eliminated due to the USA win. Colombia will face the winner of Group B, who likely will be Brazil. As winners of Group A the USA of course faces the runner-up of Group B, likely to be either Peru or Ecuador. Brazil and Peru face each other today, while Ecuador faces Haiti. Ecuador has played well this tournament, playing Brazil to a draw in their opening match.

One thing to watch for heading into the quarterfinal round will be the discipline of Team USA. Seven of their projected starters will be sitting in caution as another yellow card would see them suspended for the semifinal if they make it that far. Therefore the question will be how physical will the US play, knowing that a yellow card brings dire consequences? Luckily the US has found discipline, yet their physicality has been their trademark in this tournament, and without it their chances of meeting their goal are likely to decrease.

Photo: Flickr/Erik Drost