Diaz scored and assisted in Colombia’s last friendly before Copa America 2024…
Colombia star Luis Diaz had a happening game against Bolivia on Saturday. He was directly involved in two goals and drew a foul that led to two red cards as well.
After Jhon Arias opened the scoring for Los Cafeteros in the fifth minute, Jhon Cordoba doubled their advantage another 20 minutes later, with Diaz setting him up nicely following a splendid cutback for him.
Just minutes before the half-time whistle, Diaz turned scorer as the Liverpool ace expertly shifted the ball onto his right foot and fired home Colombia’s third of the evening.
Things turned spicy after the break when he came under a nasty-looking challenge from Bolivia’s Hector Cuellar in the 67th minute. It flared tensions between the sides as players from both camps were seen in confrontational mode with each other.
In particular, Colombia’s Daniel Munoz and Bolivia’s Cesar Menacho were shown a red card for trading punches. In contrast, Cuellar, who started the fracas with his obscene tackle, escaped with just a yellow.
Néstor Lorenzo’s side eventually finished the game 3-0, unable to add to any goals in the second half but successfully managed to keep La Verde at bay, thereby wrapping up their preparations for the Copa America 2024 on a high note.
Colombia have been drawn alongside Paraguay, Costa Rica, and Brazil in Group D, whereas Bolivia are in Group C along with USA, Uruguay and Panama.
Colombia, the dark horse for the Copa America 2024 title?
Remarkably, Colombia are the most in-form side heading into Copa America 2024. Los Cafeteros are unbeaten in their last 22 games, and are currently on a seven-game winning run too, which includes wins over top guns such as Brazil and Spain. Having last won the Copa America title in 2001 on home turf, it seems like the side has the best chance to win their second in the competition.
Also Read: 2024 COPA America Complete Guide: Teams, Groups, Format, Host Country, Venues, and Schedules