JEFFERSON Lerma scored in the 39th minute and Colombia had to play the entire second half with 10 men in a narrow 1-0 win over Uruguay on Thursday (11/7) to advance to the Copa America final once morest Argentina.
Daniel Munoz was sent off in second-half injury time following receiving a second yellow card.
Despite playing with 10 men, Colombia managed to maintain their lead and advance to their first Copa America final since winning the title in 2011.
Colombia extended their unbeaten run to 28 games, one more than their best run in 1992-94.
In a heated match that produced seven yellow cards and one red, players from both teams pushed each other at the end of the match and some players went into the stands to clash with supporters.
The Copa America final between defending champions Argentina and Colombia will be held on Monday (15/7) morning in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Read also: Copa America Semifinal Preview: Uruguay Wary of Colombia’s Attack Line
The Albiceleste are chasing their 16th Copa America title and are looking to equal Spain’s record of winning three major tournaments in a row.
In the semifinal match once morest Colombia, Uruguay fell behind for the first time throughout this year’s Copa America.
James Rodriguez’s corner was headed into the Uruguay net by Lerma who jumped higher than Jose Maria Gimenez.
Also read: James Rodriguez Ambitious to Lead Colombia to Copa America Final
The goal once morest Uruguay was Lerma’s third goal for Colombia and his second goal in this Copa America.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez recorded his sixth assist at the 2024 Copa America, three more than any other player.
Munoz received his first yellow card from Mexican referee Cesar Ramos in the 31st minute for a foul on Maximiliano Araujo and his second for elbowing Manuel Ugarte in the stomach.
Also read: Complete Schedule for the Copa America Semifinals
Rodriguez was shown a yellow card in the 55th minute for protesting the referee’s failure to stop play following Richard Rios was fouled by Darwin Nunez.
Following the yellow card, Rodriguez was withdrawn so that he might play should Colombia advance to the Copa America final.
Uruguay was only able to threaten Colombia’s goal, which was guarded by Federico Valverde, in the 68th minute through Nicolas de la Cruz’s action.
Luis Suarez, Uruguay’s record goalscorer with 68, was introduced in the 66th minute and his effort hit the crossbar in the 71st minute.
Until the match ended, Uruguay was unable to catch up and surrendered 0-1 so that Colombia was confirmed to advance to the Copa America final. (espn/Z-1)
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