Colombia 1-0 Uruguay: 5 Hits & Flops as James Rodriguez shines yet again | Copa America 2024
Colombia beat Uruguay 1-0 in the semi-finals of Copa America on Wednesday, July 10 at the Bank of America Stadium.
The first half was evenly contested with both sides having good chances to go in front, but the best of the lot fell in favor of Uruguay who were unable to convert any of them. Colombia might have looked more dangerous on the ball, but the chances were hard to come by. However, James Rodriguez turned the screw and worked his charm yet again as he put in a delicious cross which was smashed home by Jefferson Lerma in the 39th minute of the game.
Things changed when Daniel Munoz was sent off post an elbow on Manuel Ugarte on the brink of half-time. The Colombians had to defend the entirety of second half due to the foolishness of the Crystal Palace defender. They defended with everything they had and ultimately prevailed to set up a clash with Argentina in the finals on July 14.
On that note, let's take a look at the hits and the flops from the game.
#5 Hit: Davinson Sanchez (Colombia)
Davinson Sanchez put in a solid performance at the back for his side. The Galatasaray defender was in complete control at the back and combined well with Carlos Cuesta to thwart everything that came their way.
Sanchez won nine duels, made five clearances, intercepted the ball once and won two tackles. It was a complete performance at the back from the 28-year-old. He led the back-line when Colombia were down to 10 men and dealt with Luis Suarez like a veteran.
#4 Flop: Daniel Munoz (Colombia)
Daniel Munoz was plain stupid against Uruguay and could have cost his side the game. Just moments after Colombia's opener, he threw his elbow in a tussle when he was already on a yellow, earning him his second of the night.
Colombia had to play with 10 men for a large chunk of the game and his inexperience and lack of composure were to blame for it. He was decent at the back leading up to that point, but will now miss the finals as well.
#3 Hit: James Rodriguez (Colombia)
James Rodriguez is having a spectacular Copa America campaign for Colombia and tonight was no different. The skipper led from the front as he set up Jefferson Lerma with a beautiful cross. This was his sixth assist of the campaign; he has made a difference in every game thus far.
James won three duels, made three recoveries, won one tackle and created three chances throughout his stay on the pitch. His side will be hoping that the former Real Madrid star can continue his red hot form and guide them through in the finals against Argentina as well.
#2 Flop: Darwin Nunez (Uruguay)
Darwin Nunez was a massive disappointment for Uruguay. The Liverpool forward had ample chances to put his side ahead but was wasteful. Nunez had chances even after the opposition scored, but simply could not find the back of the net.
Apart from being a miss in front of goal, he got involved in a massive brawl post-game which became uglier with each passing moment. In totality, it was a night to forget for Nunez.
#1 Hit: Jefferson Lerma (Colombia)
Jefferson Lerma proved to be the difference between the two sides as his goal turned out to be the winner. He connected beautifully to put the ball into the back of the net following some great work by James Rodriguez.
Apart from the goal, Lerma put in a massive shift in the center. He covered a lot of ground and used his physicality to retrieve the ball on numerous occasions. He helped his side defend the lead after going in front in the first half. Lerma won three duels and made five recoveries during his stay on the pitch.