HOUSTON, Texas -- Real Madrid star James Rodriguez played down the impact of Colombia's 3-2 loss to Costa Rica on Saturday and the resulting fall of his team to second in Group A, behind the United States, who won 1-0 against Paraguay.
A win or draw for Brazil in Group B on Sunday against Peru would virtually guarantee the Verde-Amarela would play Colombia in the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals in a repeat of the controversial 2014 World Cup quarterfinal.
"Brazil is already there?" asked Rodriguez of Brazil being in the quarters, making the point that it still needs a result against Peru. "They are a difficult rival, a power as well, but they have to be aware that we also have good players."
The 24-year-old Rodriguez came off the bench against Los Ticos with the score at 2-1 at half-time, after Colombia fans had chanted his name in the first half, and although he helped Los Cafeteros take control of the match, Colombia ended up running out of time to find an equalizer.
"I think it has been all good," surmised Rodriguez of the group stage for his nation. "You never like to lose, [but] it happens and we have to be united for everything that follows."
Rodriguez stressed that Colombia will have no margin for errors whoever the side faces in the quarterfinal.
Colombia coach Nestor Pekerman assumed full responsibility for their loss, with the Argentine making 10 changes from the side that defeated Paraguay 2-1 in the second group match in Pasadena last Tuesday.
"It was a risky wager [to make so many changes], but it was the moment to run some risks because the opponent was coming off a draw and a thrashing [to the United States]," said Pekerman in the post-game press conference.
Pekerman wouldn't speculate on a potential game against Brazil in the quarterfinals, but did say he hopes his team learns from its errors against Costa Rica.
Colombia will face the winner of Group B (Brazil, Peru or Ecuador) in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday, June 17.