Colombia came up with a crucial 2-1 win in their Copa America opener against a spirited Paraguay side.
Munoz and Lerma scored in the first half before Enciso pulled one back in the 69th minute. However, it wasn’t enough as Colombia claimed all three points on the night!
Colombia vs Paraguay Highlights – COPA AMERICA 2024 GROUP D
3′ – Attempt missed by Paraguay. Alex Arce’s shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left.
5′ – Attempt missed by Colombia. Richard Ríos’ right footed shot from outside the box just misses the right side of Paraguay’s goal.
7′ – Attempt missed by Colombia. Daniel Munoz’ header from the centre of the box just passes Paraguay’s goal.
10′ – Attempt missed. Alex Arce header from very close range goes just past the right post.
14′ – YELLOW CARD – Jefferson Lerma is booked.
23′ – Alex Arce right footed shot from outside the box is blocked by Colombian defence.
26′ – Jhon Lucumi is injured and replaced by Yerry Mina
32′ – GOAL: Daniel Munoz scores from a header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by James Rodríguez with a cross. Colombia 1-0 Paraguay!
42′ – GOAL: Jefferson Lerma’s header from the centre of the box is slotted into the bottom left corner. Assisted by James Rodriguez. Colombia 2-0 Paraguay
45′ + 4′ – HALF TIME
53′ – YELLOW CARD – Gustavo Velazquez is booked.
59′ – Luis Diaz’ right footed shot from the centre of the box goes way above the bar
64′ – Matías Espinoza’s left footed shot from outside the box is saved by Colombia’s goalkeeper Vargas
69′ – GOAL: Julio Enciso hands Paraguay a lifeline with a clinical strike. Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
76′ – SAVE! James Rodriguez’ strong strike is saved by Vargas
78′ – YELLOW CARD – Andres Cubas is booked
90′ – 6 minutes added time!
90′ + 2′ – Two substitutions for Colombia as Quintero and Castano come on for James Rodriguez and Arias
90′ + 2′ – Julio Enciso is replaced by Matias Rojas
90′ + 8′ – FULL TIME!
Player of the Match: James Rodriguez (Colombia)
32-year-old James Rodriguez came up with an incredible performance against Paraguay, providing key assists for both of Colombia’s goals!
Key Moment
Alex Arce and Omar Alderte missed two back-to-back chances from close range for Paraguay in the 10th minute of the match. These two misses proved to be costly!
Conclusion
Colombia start off with an important win against a tough Paraguay side. Their group consists of Brazil and Costa Rica, which makes these three points worth their weight in gold!
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