Colombia came up with a crucial 2-1 win over Paraguay in their Copa America opener. Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma scored in the first half, whereas Julio Enciso pulled one back in the second half, however, it wasn’t enough to save Paraguay from defeat.
Sportsdunia a look at Colombia vs Paraguay player ratings as James Rodriguez stars in 2-1 win in Copa America!
Colombia National Football Team Player Ratings vs Paraguay
GOALKEEPER
Camilo Vargas – 7
Conceded a goal but made two crucial saves at important times to help Colombia over the line against a tough Paraguay team!
DEFENDERS
Johan Mojica – 7
With 79 touches and an 83% pass completion rate, Mojica was one of the best players on the field. He won two out of three attempted tackles, made one clearance, and five recoveries as he completely nullified Miguel Almiron in Paraguay’s attack from the right
Jhon Lucumi – 6
Was substituted in the 26th minute with an injury, but until then, was the best defender on the pitch!
Davinson Sanchez – 7
The second-best defender on the pitch throughout the game! With a 100% tackle success rate, Sanchez pocketed Paraguay’s attack. He won 4 out of 6 ground duels and 5 out of 6 aerial duels in the game!
Daniel Munoz – 8.5
The best defender among Colombia’s back four was Daniel Munoz! The Crystal Palace right-back scored the opening goal of the game in the 32nd minute and defender like a pro against Enciso and James Rodriguez.
MIDFIELDERS
Jhon Arias – 8
With a 92% pass completion rate, Arias managed Colombia’s midfield beautifully. Many top clubs will have an eye for him this summer.
Jefferson Lerma – 8
The Crystal Palace midfielder played 68 minutes before getting injured and also scored Colombia’s second goal in the 42nd minute.
Richard Rios – 7.5
The 24-year-old midfielder played from the right, building up attack after attack with James Rodriguez and causing all kinds of issues to the Paraguayan defence.
FORWARDS
Luis Diaz – 6
The Liverpool winger had an average outing according to his standards. Should do better as the tournament moves forward.
Rafael Borre – 6
Largely ineffective in attack, but made some impressive clearances from defence as Colombia tried to close down the game towards the end!
James Rodriguez – 9
With two assists for both of Colombia’s goals, James Rodriguez was also voted the Man of the Match for his incredible performance!
SUBSTITUTES
Yerry Mina – 6.5
Mateus Uribe – 6
Jhon Cordoba – 6
Juan Quintero – N/A
Kevin Castano – N/A
Paraguay National Football Team Player Ratings vs Colombia
GOALKEEPER
Rodrigo Morinigo – 5
Couldn’t do much about both goals scored by Colombia, made just one save and had a below par pass completion rate.
DEFENDERS
Gustavo Velazquez – 6.5
The 33 year old right-back was the best defender for Paraguay as he kept Liverpool frontman Luis Diaz quiet throughout the game.
Fabian Balbuena – 6.5
The Dinamo Moscow centre-back also put in a decent shift as he led his defence. Couldn’t do much in preventing the goals scored by Colombia.
Omar Alderte – 6
Lost six duels which costed Paraguay dearly as Colombia capitalised on the resultant opportunities.
Matias Espinoza – 6
Was dribbled past four times as he struggled to manage the man of the match, James Rodriguez!
MIDFIELDERS
Mathias Villasanti – 6
Played 80 minutes with a 69% pass completion rate, pretty average for a midfielder playing against a quality side like Colombia. Should do better in the upcoming games.
Andres Cubas – 7
Held his own against the attacking talent of Colombia and had a 82% pass completion rate. He also won five of his six tackles attempted on Colombia players.
Hernesto Caballero – 5.5
Pretty average performance from the left-sided midfielder as he and his full-back Espinoza were completely dominated by James Rodriguez.
FORWARDS
Miguel Almiron – 6.5
Paraguay had high hopes for Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron as they entered into the tournament, but the winger couldn’t be as effective as they hoped him to be. Was substituted just before the hour mark.
Alex Arce – 6
Colombia blocked all supply towards Arce as he found it very difficult to get involved in Paraguay’s attacking adventures. He did get a big chance to score in the game which he missed.
Julio Enciso – 8.5
If not for James Rodriguez, Brighton and Hove Albion star Julio Enciso deserved the man of the match. He featured for 89 minutes, scoring one goal to bring Paraguay back into the game!
SUBSTITUTES
Damien Bobadilla – 6
Ramon Sosa – 7
Adam Bareiro – 6
Angel Romero – 5.5
Matias Roja – N/A (Came in too late to have an impact)
Also Read: Colombia vs Paraguay Highlights: Colombia claim crucial 2-1 win in Copa América opener