Venegas screamer shocks Colombia as U.S. top group

Colombia needed just a point to finish on top of their Copa America Group A, potentially avoiding a difficult draw against Brazil in the next round.

Yet Colombia coach Jose Pekerman's decision to make 10 changes to the side that had beaten Paraguay in their second game backfired as Costa Rica, determined to bounce back after their 4-0 rout by the US on Tuesday, attacked from the whistle.

Costa Rica took the lead in the second minute, when Johan Venegas curled in a sublime shot from outside the area that is likely to be a contender for goal of the tournament.

Colombia hit back in the seventh minute through Frank Fabra, but Costa Rica went back in front just after the half hour mark.

Venegas was again involved, crossing to the far post where Fabra could only divert the ball into his own net to make it 2-1.

Celso Borges then gave Costa Rica a two-goal cushion, rifling home a low finish from eight yards to put the 2014 World Cup quarter-finalists 3-1 up.

Marlos Moreno pulled a goal back for Colombia from Juan Cuadrado's cutback but it was to be too little too late for Pekerman's side.

Hosts United States saw off Paraguay 1-0 and progressed to the Copa América quarter-finals as winners of Group A due to the defeat.