In a thrilling Copa America 2024 semifinal, ten-man Colombia managed to edge past Uruguay 1-0, securing their place in the final against defending champions Argentina.
The match, held in North Carolina, saw Jefferson Lerma score the decisive goal in the first half, extending Colombia’s impressive unbeaten run streak.
Colombia started strong, with Daniel Munoz narrowly missing a powerful header. However, the game soon shifted in Uruguay’s favor. Darwin Nunez had several golden opportunities to score but failed, missing 3 crucial chances that could have changed the game’s course.
Colombia’s threat from set-pieces came to fruition when Lerma headed in a corner from James Rodriguez, marking Rodriguez’s 6th assist of the tournament.
The match took a dramatic turn just before halftime when Munoz was sent off for a 2nd yellow card after foul Manuel Ugarte. Despite being down to ten men, Colombia’s defense held firm against Uruguay’s relentless attacks.
In the second half, Luis Suarez came close to equalizing, hitting the post with a powerful shot. Federico Valverde also missed a chance to level the score, drilling his shot wide. In the closing minutes, Kevin Castano had two opportunities to secure Colombia’s victory. His first shot went wide, and the second was brilliantly saved by Uruguay’s goalkeeper, Sergio Rochet, deflecting it onto the crossbar.
Colombia’s resilient performance ensures they will play for their second-ever Copa America title in the final against Argentina on Sunday
Uruguay player ratings
GK: Sergio Rochet – 6/10
CB: Sebastian Caceres – 7/10
CB: Jose Gimenez – 6/10
CB: Mathias Olivera – 7/10
DM: Manuel Ugarte – 7/10
DM: Federico Valverde – 7/10
RM: Facundo Pellistri – 6/10
AM: Nicolas de la Cruz – 7/10
AM: Rodrigo Bentancur – 6/10
LM: Maxi Araujo – 5/10
ST: Darwin Nunez – 5/10
SUB: Guillermo Varela (35′ for Bentancur) – 5/10
SUB: Giorgian de Arrascaeta – 6/10
SUB: Cristian Olivera – 6/10
SUB: Luis Suarez – 6/10
SUB: Agustin Canobbio – N/A
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