Colombia secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over Uruguay in the Copa America 2024 semifinal at Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina, United States on Thursday, July 11 (as per the Indian Standard Time).
They now advance to the tournament’s final where they will face Lionel Messi-led Argentina in Miami.
Colombia played with ten men for the entire second half in their victory over Uruguay after defender Daniel Munoz was shown a red card for elbowing a Uruguayan player just before halftime, having already received a second yellow card.
Colombia advanced to their first Copa America final since 2001.
They will defend their 28-game unbeaten streak, the longest in their history, against defending champions and tournament favourites Argentina in the final.
Despite being down to 10 men for the entire second half, Colombia maintained their 1-0 lead until the final whistle in the semi-final.
Jefferson Lerma scored with a well-timed header from a corner in the first half and the Colombian defence held firm, keeping Uruguay under constant pressure.
The match was highly physical, with players frequently pushing and shoving each other, leading to seven yellow cards and one red card.
Mateus Uribe missed two crucial chances, one in the 85th minute and another in extra time, failing to capitalise on open opportunities to score a second goal. In the final minutes, Lerma attempted a long shot toward an empty net, but the match ended shortly after his effort sailed over, securing Colombia’s place in the final.
Uruguay, who failed to score in their last two matches of the tournament, missed opportunities with Darwin Nunez and Jose Gimenez unable finding the net.
With 15 Copa America titles, tied with Argentina for the most, Uruguay will not have the opportunity to compete for another title. Colombia, appearing in their third Copa America final (1975, 2001), aim to secure their second title.
Argentina, on the other hand, are aiming for a record 16th Copa America title and hope to join Spain as the only country to win three consecutive major titles.
