Cristian Zapata scored the opening goal of the Copa America Centenario from a corner ©Getty Images

First-half goals from Cristian Zapata and James Rodriguez saw Colombia defeat hosts United States in the opening match of the Copa  América Centenario at the Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco. 

A crowd of 67,439 were treated to musical performances from Colombia’s J Balvin, Canadian band Magic! and America’s Jason Derulo prior to kick-off, but the home fans enthusiasm was dampened after just eight minutes when Colombia took the lead.

Edwin Cardona’s deep corner was met first time on the volley by Zapata, with the 29-year-old defender's composed effort finding the bottom corner of the US net for the opening goal of the special 100th anniversary competition.

The host nation, one of six nations from Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football competing alongside the traditional 16 teams from the South American Football Confederation, were unable to provide an instant response, despite Clint Dempsey threatening on several occasions.

Colombia doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when American right back DeAndre Yedlin controversially conceded a penalty for handball

The 22-year-old turned his back as Colombia’s Farid Diaz crossed into the penalty area and after the ball stuck the defender’s hand, the referee deemed it had been in an unnatural position.

James Rodriguez doubled Colombia's lead from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time
James Rodriguez doubled Colombia's lead from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time ©Getty Images

Rodriguez, the golden boot winner at the 2014 World Cup, calmly sent American goalkeeper Brad Guzan the wrong way to double his team’s advantage ahead of the half-time whistle.

Geoff Cameron went closest to hauling the United States back into the match when he saw a header cleared off the line in the 60th minute, but the hosts could have found themselves further behind when Carlos Bacca struck their crossbar in the closing stages.

Although they were able to hold on to secure a 2-0 victory in their first Group A match, Colombia will have concerns over the fitness of Rodriquez, who was forced to be substituted late on after sustaining a shoulder injury.

The second Group A tie is due to take place tomorrow with Costa Rica and Paraguay meeting at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

Eight-time Copa America winners Brazil will get their Group B campaign underway when they take on Ecuador at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

The match will kick-off shortly after the conclusion of Haiti’s tie with Peru at the CenturyLink Field in Seattle.