Colombia Triumphed over Uruguay to Reach Copa America Final

Ten-man Colombia triumphed over Uruguay 1-0 to reach the Copa America final for the first time in 23 years after a heated semi-final on Wednesday.

Jefferson Lerma’s 39th-minute header secured victory for Colombia, who will face defending champions Argentina in Sunday’s final in Miami. The semi-final, played before a fervent crowd, ended with scuffles on the field and fights in the stands, including several players climbing among supporters amid flying punches.

Despite Daniel Munoz’s red card just before halftime and heavy pressure from Uruguay, Colombia held on for a famous victory, delighting their large contingent of fans. The win marked Colombia’s 28th consecutive unbeaten game, setting a new team record.

The streets of the North Carolina city were filled with celebrating fans in bright yellow Colombia jerseys hours before kick-off. In such an electric atmosphere, Colombia started strongly. Luis Diaz, the lively Liverpool winger, created space for a cross on the left, finding Daniel Munoz at the back post, though Munoz’s header was off target.

Uruguay threatened on the counter-attack, with Liverpool star Darwin Nunez nearly capitalizing on a clever pass from Rodrigo Bentancur, but his shot went wide. Nunez had another chance when Maximiliano Araujo played him through, but he blasted high and wide.

Colombia responded with James Rodriguez curling a cross from the right, but Jhon Cordoba’s header was off target. The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Lerma rose above Jose Gimenez to head home Rodriguez’s corner, marking Rodriguez’s sixth assist of the tournament—a new Copa record.

Colombia pushed their momentum with Richard Rios forcing a save from Uruguay keeper Sergio Rochet after a pass from Munoz. However, Munoz’s second yellow card just before the break left Colombia defending their lead with 10 men in the second half.

Coach Nestor Lorenzo substituted Rodriguez, also on a yellow card, in the 62nd minute as Uruguay increased their pressure. Nicolas de la Cruz and substitute Luis Suarez both came close, with Suarez hitting the post. Federico Valverde also threatened with a low drive.

In stoppage time, Uruguay missed a great chance to force penalties when Nunez set up substitute Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who shot over the bar. Mateus Uribe missed another chance to secure the win, hitting the bar in the final minute, but his error was forgiven by the jubilant Colombian fans.

Uruguay’s coach Marcelo Bielsa accepted responsibility for not securing a win against 10 men. “Uruguay were clearly in a position to win this game… I take special responsibility for not having been able to establish an advantage when we had the players capable of doing so,” he said.

Colombia’s coach Nestor Lorenzo praised his team’s positive approach. “We took the lead, the risk, and we were even brave. When we were down one, we kept two strikers… and that is an act of courage that was rewarded,” he said.

The celebrations, marred by ugly scenes in the stands, will concern organizers CONMEBOL ahead of a final likely to attract large numbers of Argentines and Colombians.