BOGOTA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Colombia began their preparations for the Copa America with a 3-0 friendly victory over Panama here on Monday.
William Tesillo, Luis Fernando Muriel and Radamel Falcao each struck first-half goals at El Campin as Los Cafeteros coasted to their second win in three matches under head coach Carlos Queiroz.
The Portuguese chose an experimental starting lineup and will have been pleased with the performance of recalled midfielder Edwin Cardona, whose calmness in possession and precise passing caused Panama problems from the outset.
He will also have been impressed by the mature display from 20-year-old debutant John Lucumi, who showed calmness beyond his years in the heart of defence.
Tesillo opened the scoring with a fifth minute header and Muriel doubled the hosts' lead with a long-range drive in the 37th minute. Falcao netted his team's third goal by converting a penalty after being brought down in the area just before halftime.
Colombia will finalize their preparations for the Copa America with a friendly against Peru in Lima on Thursday.
The continental tournament will be played in Brazil from June 14 to July 7. Los Cafeteros have been drawn in Group B alongside Argentina, Paraguay and Qatar.
