soccer - Columbia reached Copa-Finale - Disappointment about loser Uruguay
Colombia ex-Bayern-Professional James Rodriguez won the second semifinal of the Copa America, which was overshadowed by disturbances, against Uruguay in the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the US state of North Carolina, with a score of 1:0 (1:0). The Colombians had to play the entire second half with ten men. "We wrote history tonight," said the visibly moved Rodriguez after the final whistle.
After the heated match, Uruguay's striker Darwin Núñez and other players ran onto the pitch among Colombian fans. In a video, the 25-year-old striker of Liverpool FC is seen hitting a man in a yellow shirt. The South American Football Confederation Conmebol condemned the disturbances.
Colombia, with the win, has the chance for a second Copa America title - the first one, which is now 23 years old (2001). Uruguay missed a match against record champions Argentina, the title defenders, both teams have won the Copa América 15 times. On Sunday night, it goes against Canada for third place. The final in Miami takes place on Monday night.
Colombia in the second half with a man less
The match became exciting just before half-time: Jefferson Lerma scored the 1:0 in the 39th minute with a header from a corner kick by Rodriguez. It was the sixth assist of Rodriguez in the tournament, surpassing the previous record of Messi. Shortly thereafter, the Colombian Daniel Muñoz was sent off with a red-yellow card.
The second half was marked by many fouls and interruptions at the start. In a man disadvantage, Colombia gradually retreated into its own half, while Uruguay continued to apply pressure. A shot on goal from Luis Suárez, who was only substituted in the 66th minute, was just one of many chances. In the end, Colombia managed to maintain the narrow lead through the match.
- Despite playing the second half with a man less, Colombia managed to maintain their narrow lead against Uruguay, thanks in part to James Rodriguez's assists, surpassing Lionel Messi's record in the Copa America.
- In the heated semifinal match, Colombia's victory against Uruguay in the Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina secured their spot in the final, aiming for a second Copa America title, which they last won 23 years ago.
- As Uruguay missed their chance to face record champions Argentina in the final, both teams have earned 15 Copa America titles each, with Argentina playing as the title defenders in the upcoming final against another team.
- Colombia's James Rodriguez, a former Bayern Munich professional, contributed significantly to their win against Uruguay with his sixth assist in the tournament, marking a historic night for the Colombian team.
- Following the tense semifinal, Darwin Núñez of Uruguay and other players confronted Colombian fans, leading to disturbances that were later condemned by the South American Football Confederation, Conmebol.
- Additionally, Uruguay's striker, Luis Suárez, who was only brought on in the 66th minute, had multiple opportunities to score but was unable to convert, ultimately allowing Colombia to secure the 1:0 win.
- Colombia's victory against Uruguay in the semifinal led to James Rodriguez expressing his excitement, saying, "We wrote history tonight," while also acknowledging the challenges they faced throughout the match in North Carolina.
