Colombia secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Uruguay in the Copa America semifinals, setting the stage for a thrilling final against Lionel Messi and Argentina. This win extends Colombia’s unbeaten streak to a record 28 games, surpassing their previous best from 1992-94 and currently the longest streak in men’s football.
Key Moments of the Match
Jefferson Lerma scored the decisive goal in the 39th minute. Despite playing the entire second half with ten men after Daniel Munoz received his second yellow card in stoppage time of the first half, Colombia managed to hold on for the win. This victory marks their first Copa America final appearance since they hosted and won the tournament in 2001.
A Match Filled with Drama
The match was highly contentious, featuring seven yellow cards and one red. The final whistle saw players from both teams involved in a physical altercation, with some even clashing with fans in the stands. The intense atmosphere was mirrored by the pro-Colombia crowd at Bank of America Stadium, adorned with yellow jerseys and flags.
Game Highlights
Lerma’s goal came from a well-placed header following a corner kick by James Rodriguez, who now has six assists in the tournament, tripling any other player’s tally. Munoz was booked twice, first for a reckless slide tackle on Maximiliano Araujo and then for elbowing Manuel Ugarte, leading to his ejection.
Rodriguez himself received a yellow card in the 55th minute for protesting when Richard Rios was injured by Darwin Nunez. Rios had to be stretchered off twice before being substituted in the 62nd minute. To preserve him for the final, Rodriguez was also taken off at the same time.
Defensive Resilience and Missed Opportunities
Colombia’s goalkeeper, Camilo Vargas, made his first save in the 68th minute from Nicolas de la Cruz. Luis Suarez, Uruguay’s top scorer with 68 goals, came on in the 66th minute and nearly equalized, hitting the outside of the post in the 71st minute.
Colombia had chances to extend their lead, with Mateus Uribe missing an open shot in the 88th minute and another in stoppage time, which was blocked by goalkeeper Sergio Rochet and then hit the crossbar.
Looking Ahead to the Final
The semifinal was played in intense 90-degree heat on a grass surface temporarily laid over artificial turf. Colombia will now face defending champions Argentina in the final on Sunday night in Miami Gardens, Florida, aiming for their second Copa America title against a formidable Argentine team seeking their 16th championship.
