Colombia carry unbeaten run into Copa América final as Uruguay heartbroken

Colombia will face Argentina in the 2024 Copa América final after beating Uruguay 1-0 despite playing the entire second half a man down.

Scorer: Lerma 49′. Red: Muñoz 45+1

Emotions were on full display at Bank of America Stadium as 90 minutes of thrilling drama were delivered in this semi-final.

Both Uruguay and Colombia threw their attacking lines forward right from the first whistle. Darwin Núñez was the liveliest in the opening 45 minutes but missed all three long-range efforts by mere inches.

The arguable player of the tournament then constructed the opener. James Rodríguez delivered an inch-perfect corner kick and Jefferson Lerma headed home. It was his sixth assist of the tournament after five games, equalling the all-time competition record.

Celebrations turned to anguish minutes later, however, as Colombia were reduced to 10 men. Daniel Muñoz, who was already carrying a yellow, elbowed Manuel Ugarte, and the referee made him pay for the rash decision.

Uruguay subsequently had a brilliant advantage heading into the second 45 minutes. Núñez fluffed another attempt while Marcelo Bielsa called the ever-reliable Luis Suárez off the bench, and he hit the post.

Colombia’s captain was hauled off near the hour mark, but Néstor Lorenzo’s men remained formidable and stuck to their game plan. Their resilience was testimony to their incredible 28-game unbeaten run.

Late attempts from Federico Valverde, Maximiliano Araújo and Giorgian de Arrascaeta tried to drag Uruguay into extra time, but they ultimately fell short. Colombia will now face Argentina in the final on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.