U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has his sights set on a top-four finish at this summer’s Copa America Centenario.
Speaking ahead of the USMNT’S Copa America tune-up match against Ecuador scheduled for Wednesday, Klinsmann stated that not only does his side expect to advance from a group that includes Colombia, Costa Rica, and Paraguay, but they are hoping for a top four finish.
“The goal, then, is really to get to the final four,” Klinsmann said. “We want to get to the final four.”
The U.S open the tournament on June 3 when they face Colombia at Levi’s Stadium before taking on Costa Rica four days later in Chicago, and Paraguay in Philadelphia on June 11. As tournament hosts, Klinsmann believes that his group has a duty to impress the thousands expected to watch the competition.
“It’s the biggest tournament since the 1994 World Cup in the United States, and I think as a player you want to jump on that one,” Klinsmann later added. “You want to make an impression. You want to make it your tournament.”
Reaching the final four will not be an easy feat for Klinsmann’s American side particularly after the manager stated on Tuesday that the Copa America will feature more quality than this summer’s European championship.
"If you compare this Copa America with these 16 nations,” Klinsmann said. “Compared to the 24 going into the Euros, then I almost think you have more quality in this Copa America than you have in this diluted, 24-team version of the European Championship.”