Football

Colombia's resilience and determination were on full display as they overcame a red card and a hostile crowd to secure a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in the Copa America semi-finals. The triumph sends Colombia to the championship match against Lionel Messi's Argentina, extending their unbeaten streak to a record 28 games.The match was a physical battle from the outset, with both teams trading fouls and yellow cards. In the 39th minute, Colombia's Jefferson Lerma broke the deadlock with a header from James Rodríguez's corner kick. The goal was Lerma's third international strike and his second of the tournament.However, Colombia's joy was short-lived as Daniel Muñoz was sent off in first-half stoppage time for a second yellow card. The dismissal forced Colombia to play the entire second half with 10 men.Despite the numerical disadvantage, Colombia defended valiantly, with goalkeeper David Ospina making several crucial saves. Uruguay pressed forward in search of an equalizer, but they were unable to find a way past the resolute Colombian defense.The match was marred by several incidents of crowd trouble, with players from both teams being pushed and shoved after the final whistle. Some players even entered the stands to confront fans.Colombia's victory is a testament to their mental fortitude and their ability to overcome adversity. They will now face Argentina in the final, where they will aim to win their first Copa America title since 2001.

Uruguay's Copa America hopes have been dealt a blow with the news that central defender Ronald Araujo will miss Wednesday's semi-final against Colombia due to a thigh injury. Araujo was forced off in the first half of Uruguay's victory over Brazil on Saturday, and tests have revealed a "muscular injury" to his right thigh.Atletico Madrid's Jose Maria Gimenez is expected to replace Araujo in the starting lineup, while Guillermo Varela or Agustin Canobbio are the likely candidates to fill in for suspended right-back Nahitan Nandez.Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa expressed his disappointment at Araujo's absence but praised the progress of Colombia, who are now unbeaten in 27 matches. "They are a big rival, on a positive run of results," Bielsa said. "Brazil were a very demanding opponent and Colombia has to be viewed the same way."Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo downplayed the significance of Uruguay's injury concerns. "I don't consider it a decisive advantage," Lorenzo said. "I think they have great players to play in the same positions."Lorenzo also confirmed that midfielder Jefferson Lerma is available after serving a one-match suspension. Colombia beat Panama 5-0 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals and equal the country's unbeaten run record set between 1992 and 1994.Argentina and Canada will face each other in the other semi-final on Tuesday in New Jersey. The Copa America final will be held in Miami on Sunday.

The Copa America semi-finals are set to ignite with Argentina, the reigning champions, facing off against Canada, the tournament's surprise package. Uruguay, who stunned Brazil in a penalty shootout, will battle Colombia, an unbeaten force in 27 games.Argentina, led by the enigmatic Lionel Messi, will be the heavy favorites against Canada. However, the North Americans have impressed under coach Jesse Marsch, implementing a high-energy, pressing style that has propelled them to the last four.Canada's confidence is soaring after their penalty shootout victory over Venezuela. However, they acknowledge the daunting task ahead against Argentina, who defeated them 2-0 in the group stage."It's going to take everything," said Alphonso Davies, Canada's Bayern Munich wing-back. "We're going to try to play the way we want to play and see if we can keep it up."Argentina's lineup remains largely unchanged from their World Cup triumph in 2022. Messi, despite a hamstring strain, has yet to reach his peak form, but the team boasts a wealth of quality in midfield and a solid defense.Colombia, under Nestor Lorenzo, have found a new lease of life. Playmaker James Rodriguez has rediscovered his spark, providing creativity and scoring a penalty in their 5-0 thrashing of Panama.Uruguay, buoyed by their victory over Brazil, will be without the suspended Nahitan Nandez and injured Ronaldo Araujo and Matias Vina. However, coach Marcelo Bielsa's direct, hard-running style promises a high-tempo encounter against Colombia, who possess the pace of winger Luis Diaz."The match against Colombia will be just as demanding," said Bielsa. "We are confident we can play on an equal footing with any opponent."The Copa America final will be held in Miami on July 14, with the winner etching their name in the tournament's history.

Uruguay and Colombia emerged victorious in their respective Copa America quarterfinal matches, setting up a thrilling semifinal clash.Uruguay's 4-2 penalty shootout triumph over Brazil was a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite going down to 10 men in the second half, Uruguay held their ground and forced the match into a shootout. Sergio Rochet's heroics in goal, saving Brazil's first penalty, proved crucial.Brazil, without the suspended Vinicius Jr., struggled to create clear-cut chances. Uruguay's high-pressing tactics and physicality made it difficult for the Selecao to find their rhythm. The match was marred by a series of bruising challenges, with 17-year-old Brazilian forward Endrick being a particular target.Colombia, meanwhile, cruised to a 5-0 victory over Panama, extending their unbeaten run to 27 matches. James Rodriguez was the star of the show, scoring one goal and setting up two more. Colombia's dominance was evident from the outset, with Jhon Cordoba heading home the opener in the eighth minute.Panama had a brief spell of possession but failed to capitalize on their chances. Colombia punished their opponents with further goals from Rodriguez, Luis Diaz, Richard Rios, and Miguel Borja.

Colombia's resilient performance against Brazil on Tuesday secured their qualification to the Copa America quarter-finals as group winners. Despite conceding an early goal to Raphinha's stunning free-kick, Colombia fought back to earn a 1-1 draw, courtesy of Daniel Munoz's equalizer in first-half stoppage time.The result means Colombia advance to the knockout rounds as winners of Group D, where they will face Group C runners-up Panama in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday. Brazil, on the other hand, will face a formidable challenge in Las Vegas on Saturday against arch-rivals Uruguay, winners of Group D with a perfect record.Brazil's goalscorer Raphinha expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome any opponent, including Uruguay. "Our team is evolving with each game, with each training session, and we think we're on the right track," Raphinha said. "We have to be prepared for anyone if we want to win this competition."However, Brazil will be without Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr in the quarter-finals after he picked up his second yellow card of the tournament for a reckless foul on James Rodriguez. Colombia's playmaker Rodriguez had Brazil fans on edge with his ensuing free-kick, which clipped the top of the bar.Despite Brazil's early lead, Colombia remained a threat throughout the first half. Rodriguez volleyed over the bar on the turn, and he thought he had set up Colombia's equalizer with a pinpoint cross for Davinson Sanchez, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.Tempers flared midway through the first half, with three yellow cards issued in quick succession. However, Colombia's slick play in stoppage time paid off when Munoz blasted home after being released by a superb pass from Jhon Cordoba.Colombia looked comfortable through the second half and should have wrapped up victory in the final minutes, but substitute Rafael Borre shot over from eight yards with the goal gaping. In Tuesday's other Group D game, Costa Rica defeated Paraguay 2-1 in Austin to finish in third place.

Brazil's Copa America campaign began with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Costa Rica, while Colombia emerged victorious in their opening match with a 2-1 triumph over Paraguay.Brazil, seeking their 10th Copa America title, controlled the game in Group D at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, but they struggled to penetrate Costa Rica's resolute defense. The Brazilians believed they had broken the deadlock in the 30th minute when Marquinhos converted a flick-on from Rodrygo, but VAR intervened and ruled the goal offside by a narrow margin.Despite dominating possession with 73.5%, Brazil failed to create clear-cut chances, registering only three shots on target. Costa Rica, on the other hand, adopted a defensive approach, sitting back and rarely threatening Brazil's goal.In the other Group D match, Colombia secured a deserved 2-1 victory over Paraguay at Houston's NRG Stadium. James Rodriguez inspired the Colombians, scoring a stunning free-kick in the 71st minute to secure the win.Colombia's victory puts them atop Group D, while Brazil and Costa Rica share second place with one point each. Paraguay remains at the bottom of the group with no points.

James Rodriguez, the Colombian maestro, orchestrated a vintage performance to guide his team to a 2-1 victory over Paraguay in their Copa America opener. The 32-year-old midfielder, who has faced challenges in his club career since his stellar 2014 World Cup display, showcased his enduring brilliance in Houston.Rodriguez's influence was evident from the outset, as he created both goals for Colombia. In the 32nd minute, he delivered a pinpoint cross from the left flank to Daniel Munoz, who headed home to give Colombia the lead. Ten minutes later, Rodriguez's wicked free-kick from the opposite flank found Jefferson Lerma, who glanced it in to double the advantage.Colombia maintained their dominance in the second half, but Paraguay's Julio Enciso reduced the deficit in the 69th minute. However, Colombia remained composed and controlled the tempo, threatening Paraguay's defense with their incisive attacks.In the 84th minute, Colombia believed they had earned a penalty when Yerry Mina was seemingly fouled in the box. However, after a VAR review, the referee overturned the decision.Colombia will face Costa Rica in their second group game on Friday before concluding their first-round campaign against tournament favorites Brazil on July 2.

United States coach Gregg Berhalter expressed severe disappointment and accused his players of lacking respect after Colombia's emphatic 5-1 friendly victory on Saturday. The South Americans ruthlessly exploited American blunders, leaving Berhalter aghast at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.Jhon Arias and Rafael Borre gave Colombia a 2-0 lead within 19 minutes. Despite Timothy Weah's goal in the 58th minute, "Los Cafeteros" continued their relentless attack, scoring three unanswered goals through Richard Rios, Jorge Carrascal, and Luis Sinisterra.The rout marked the first time the US had conceded five goals in a game since their 5-0 defeat to Mexico in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup final. Berhalter's side could have faced an even worse fate, as Colombia squandered several other scoring opportunities."I'm really disappointed, obviously with the result," Berhalter said. "We're not framing it as a lesson learned, we're framing it as a wake-up call. A really poor performance against a top team."Berhalter criticized his team's lack of respect for the opponent and the game itself, particularly in the final 15 minutes. "If you give a team like that the opportunities that we gave them, you're going to have no chance to win," he said.Despite some positive moments, Berhalter acknowledged that the 5-1 scoreline was unacceptable. "There were some positive chunks of the game, right. But when I'm looking right now at 5-1, it's not good enough."Berhalter fielded a starting lineup comprised entirely of players from Europe's top five leagues in preparation for their Copa America Group C opener against Bolivia on June 23. However, Colombia's early dominance threatened to overwhelm the US.Arias opened the scoring after just six minutes, capitalizing on a defensive error by Antonee Robinson. Borre doubled Colombia's lead with an overhead kick on 19 minutes.Weah's goal gave the US hope, but Rios's goal in the 77th minute put Colombia back in control. Carrascal and Sinisterra added late goals to seal the emphatic victory.The US will continue their Copa America preparations with a friendly against Brazil on Wednesday.