(Charlotte) Jefferson Lerma scored during the 39e minute of play and even though Colombia defended with a man less throughout the second half, they beat Uruguay 1-0 on Wednesday to join Argentina in the Copa America final.
Daniel Munoz was sent off in first-half stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card of the game. However, Colombia managed to hold on to their lead and will play in the tournament final for the first time since their triumph as hosts in 2001.
Colombia is undefeated in its last 28 games, a team record and the longest such streak in international men’s soccer.
In a hard-fought match, seven yellow cards and one red card were handed out. Players from both teams jostled each other on the pitch after the final whistle and some players even went into the stands to attack spectators.
Defending champions Argentina will face Colombia on Sunday night in Miami. Uruguay will play for bronze against Canada on Saturday in Charlotte.
In front of a crowd favoring Colombia at Bank of America Stadium, filled with yellow jerseys and flags, Uruguay found itself behind for the first time in the tournament.
A James Rodriguez corner was headed home from close range by Lerma, who jumped higher than Jose Maria Gimenez to score his third international goal and second of the tournament. Rodriguez has six assists, three times more than any other player at the Copa America.
PHOTO JACOB KUPFERMAN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
James Rodriguez
Mexican referee Cesar Ramos showed Munoz his first yellow card in the 31st minute.e minute following a dangerous tackle on Maximiliano Araujo. Ramos struck a second time against Munoz after an elbow to the stomach against Manuel Ugarte.
Rodriguez was shown a yellow card in the 55th minutee minute when Ramos had enough of his protests after not taking action against Darwin Nunez for a blow to Richard Rios’ shin.
Rios left the field on a stretcher, but returned to the game, then left again after another contact and he was finally replaced in the 62nd minute.e minute. Rodriguez left at the same time in order to remain eligible for the final.
Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas had to make his first save of the match in the 68th minute.e minute of play, stopping a shot from Nicolas de la Cruz.
Luis Suarez, Uruguay’s top scorer with 68 goals, came on in the 66th minute.e minute of play and he hit the outside of the post in the 71ste minute.