Watch Uruguay vs Colombia full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 00:00 (GMT) on 11th July 2024
The referee for this match is C. Ramos
Game played at Bank of America Stadium
This is a match in South America – Copa America, Semi Finals, Season 2024
Colombia Defeats Uruguay 1-0 to Secure Copa América Final Spot
Colombia has advanced to the Copa América final for the first time since their 2001 triumph, thanks to a first-half header from Jefferson Lerma that secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay. Despite playing the entire second half with 10 men, Néstor Lorenzo’s side extended their unbeaten streak to an impressive 28 matches (W22, D6).
Early Pressure and Breakthrough
Colombia started strongly against Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay, following their confident quarter-final win over Panama. Daniel Muñoz had an early opportunity, directing a header just wide. Uruguay began to settle into the game with Darwin Núñez looking dangerous, though he missed two key chances from the edge of the box.
The match continued at a high pace, with both sides creating opportunities. Colombia’s pressure paid off six minutes before halftime when James Rodríguez’s inswinging corner found Lerma, who headed the ball into the bottom corner, giving Los Cafeteros the lead.
Setback and Resilience
However, the joy was short-lived. On the stroke of halftime, Muñoz was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for an elbow on Manuel Ugarte. This left Colombia with 10 men for the entire second half, forcing them to adopt a more defensive stance.
Uruguay, with a numerical advantage, dominated the early stages of the second half but struggled to create clear chances. Colombia’s Jhon Córdoba nearly doubled the lead with a close-range header, keeping the pressure on Uruguay.
Late Uruguay Push
Desperate for an equalizer, Bielsa brought on record goalscorer Luis Suárez with 25 minutes remaining. Suárez nearly made an immediate impact, hitting the post from a Cristian Olivera cutback. Uruguay continued to push, but Colombia’s defense held firm. Giorgian de Arrascaeta missed a crucial late chance, blazing over the bar, as Colombia secured their place in the final.
Looking Ahead
Colombia will now face Argentina in the Copa América final on Sunday, seeking their second title. Uruguay will compete against Canada in the third-place play-off, aiming to end their tournament on a high note.