Dj Vnyash
Ten-man Colombia triumphed over Uruguay 1-0 to secure their spot in the Copa America final for the first time in 23 years after a heated semi-final on Wednesday. Jefferson Lerma’s header in the 39th minute clinched the win for Colombia, setting up a showdown with defending champions Argentina in Miami on Sunday.
The match, marked by chaos, saw fights break out on the field and in the stands, with several players joining supporters amid the turmoil. Despite Daniel Munoz being sent off just before halftime, Colombia held firm against intense Uruguayan pressure, delighting their numerous fans.
Downtown North Carolina was awash with celebrating Colombian fans in yellow jerseys hours before the match. Inside the 74,800-capacity Bank of America Stadium, it felt like a home game for Colombia, with only small groups of Uruguayan fans interrupting the sea of yellow.
Colombia started strong, with Liverpool’s Luis Diaz creating a chance for Daniel Munoz, who missed the target. Uruguay, dangerous on the counter, saw Darwin Nunez miss two good opportunities. Colombia’s James Rodriguez also set up Jhon Cordoba, whose header went wide.
The decisive moment came when Lerma outjumped Jose Maria Gimenez to head in Rodriguez’s corner, giving Rodriguez his sixth assist of the tournament, breaking Lionel Messi’s 2021 record.
Colombia continued to press, with Richard Rios testing Uruguay keeper Sergio Rochet. However, Munoz’s second yellow card for elbowing Manuel Ugarte left Colombia defending with 10 men for the second half.
Coach Nestor Lorenzo substituted Rodriguez, who was also on a yellow card, as Uruguay increased their pressure. Nicolas de la Cruz, Luis Suarez, and Federico Valverde all came close, but Colombia’s defense held.
Uruguay’s keeper’s error gave Mateus Uribe a chance, but he missed. In stoppage time, Giorgian de Arrascaeta failed to capitalize on a Nunez pass, and Uribe hit the bar in the final minute. Despite these misses, Colombia’s fans celebrated their team’s victory.
However, the celebrations were overshadowed by the violent scenes in the stands, raising concerns for CONMEBOL ahead of a final expected to draw large crowds of Argentine and Colombian supporters.
