Colombia has advanced to the Copa America championship game for the first time in 23 years after a dramatic and contentious 1-0 victory over Uruguay. Despite playing the second half with 10 men, Colombia managed to hold onto their lead, thanks to a first-half goal from Jefferson Lerma.
Lerma’s decisive goal came in the 39th minute, setting up a thrilling final against defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi on Sunday. Colombia’s coach, Nestor Lorenzo, praised his team’s resilience, saying, “Until you overcome your weaknesses you cannot grow. And when you overcome those obstacles you can grow.”
The match was marked by high tensions, with Colombia’s Daniel Muñoz receiving a red card in first-half stoppage time for an elbow that led to his second yellow card. Despite Uruguay’s 61.9% possession, Colombia’s defense held firm. This victory extended Colombia’s unbeaten streak to a record 28 games, the longest current streak in men’s international soccer.
The match ended in chaos, with players from both teams engaging in a brawl on the field and in the stands. Uruguay’s Darwin Núñez and about a dozen teammates confronted fans, with Núñez seen hitting a fan in Colombian colors. CONMEBOL condemned the violence, stating, “There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field.”
Colombia’s journey to the final has energized fans, with a pro-Colombian crowd of 70,644 filling Bank of America Stadium. James Rodríguez’s corner kick led to Lerma’s goal, outjumping Uruguay’s José María Giménez. Rodríguez, with six assists in the tournament, has been a key player for Colombia.
Uruguay had its chances, especially after the introduction of Luis Suárez in the 66th minute. Suárez hit the post with a shot in the 71st minute but could not find the net. Uruguay’s coach Marcelo Bielsa lamented, “The moments in which we could unbalance the game, we did not succeed.”
Colombia’s goalkeeper Camilo Vargas made crucial saves, including stopping Nicolás de la Cruz in the 68th minute. Despite several missed opportunities to extend their lead, Colombia held on for the win.
The final against Argentina will be held in Miami Gardens, Florida. Argentina, aiming for a record 16th Copa title, seeks to join Spain as the only countries to win three consecutive major championships. Uruguay will face Canada in the third-place match on Saturday night in Charlotte.
With the tournament drawing large crowds, the 2024 Copa America is set to be one of the most memorable in recent history, showcasing the passion and intensity of South American soccer.
