07:30 PM
In a duel full of intensity, Colombia managed to win with hierarchy, 2-1 over Paraguay, despite not having shown the brilliance of other matches. The team led by Néstor Lorenzo knew how to maintain composure and adapt to the fighting style proposed by the Guaraní team, achieving an important victory on its way in the Copa América in the United States.
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The goals came thanks to the two Crystal Palace players from England: Daniel Muñoz and Jéfferson Lerma. These footballers not only stood out for their ability to finish in front of goal, but also for their commitment and dedication on the field of play.
Néstor Lorenzo now has the challenge of correcting certain aspects of his team’s game, which is always easier after a victory. The National Team must look for alternatives to counteract the ironclad brands that, like Paraguay did, try to neutralize their star Luis Díaz. On this occasion, Díaz could not shine as in other games, clearly being one of the priorities of the rival defensive system.
Another aspect to work on is precision in delivering the ball. Several inaccuracies allowed Paraguay to strengthen and get the discount through Julio Enciso. The improvement in distribution will be crucial in the next confrontations.
James Rodríguez deserves a separate chapter, who continues to be the lighthouse of the National Team. Despite his lack of speed, his quality and vision of the game allow him to put the ball in the right place for his teammates. He was Colombia’s most effective player on the field, proving that his experience remains invaluable.
Richard Ríos from Antioquia also stood out, who had an outstanding performance. Ríos not only removed balls, but transported them effectively, allowing his teammates to take a new breath and collaborate in attack. His work covered both areas, showing great versatility.
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For his part, Rafael Santos Borré made an impressive physical display, fulfilling a tactical role without the ball that generated opportunities for the other Colombian players. His effort and commitment were vital to the structure of the team.
The task for Colombia is to show greater continuity in its game in the next matches against Costa Rica and Brazil. The team has started some games disconnected, ceding the initiative to the rival and taking time to react, as happened against Paraguay, which dominated at the beginning of both halves.
With this victory, the Tricolor extended its undefeated streak to 24 games (21 with Lorenzo), remaining only three away from Francisco Maturana’s historical record with the 1993-1994 National Team. In addition, it is the only undefeated team in the world currently. In the historic confrontations against Paraguay, Colombia was left with 23 wins, 9 draws and 18 losses.
Unlike other occasions, favoritism does not seem to negatively affect the national team, which has started its path in the Copa América on the right foot. The clear objective is to reach the final and, with the hierarchy shown, Lorenzo’s team remains firm in its aspiration.
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Follow the most important thing about the game here:
The game is over in Houston! Colombia beat Paraguay 2-1 in its Copa América debut
Minute 90+4: The central judge of the match gave a yellow card to Paraguayan coach Daniel Garnero.
Minute 90: Paraguayan fans activated a red flare behind the goal defended by Camilo Vargas. For a few minutes visibility in the area was low.
Minute 84: The central judge of the match called a penalty in favor of Colombia, after a Paraguayan player pushed Yerry Mina when he was going to head in an attacking play. The VAR checked the play. He determined that there was no foul.
Minute 82: Colombian soccer player James Rodríguez was left lying on the ground after receiving an elbow from Espinoza, the left back of Paraguay.
Minute 77: Paraguayan midfielder Cubas kicked Richard Ríos from Antioquia in the knee. He went with the studs up. It caused a small wound on the top of the Colombian’s kneecap. He received a yellow card.
Minute 75: Colombia has generated several dangerous approaches so far in the second half. However, his players have lacked forcefulness in their definition.
Minute 68: Goooal from Paraguay! The young Paraguayan forward Julio Enciso, who is 20 years old and was the most incisive of the Guaraní attack since the match began, scored the discount. This was the 15th goal that Colombia has received since Lorenzo took over as coach.
Minute 65: The Colombian National Team has had almost absolute control of the ball so far in the second half. It appears with 69% in that item. Paraguayans have the remaining 31%.
Minute 55: Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas has responded well every time Paraguayan soccer players have approached the Colombian goal.
The second half has begun at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas!
The first half is over!
Minute 42: Gooooal from Colombia! Colombian midfielder Jéfferson Lerma scored the second goal of the game with a header. The central judge was called by the VAR due to a possible offside. However, the goal was validated.
Minute 31: Gooooal from Colombia! Antioquian right back Daniel Muñoz scored Colombia’s first goal in the duel against the Paraguayans. He did it with a header, after a goal pass from James Rodríguez.
Minute 24: Central defender Jhon Lucumí suffered a muscle injury. He will not be able to continue in the game. Yerry Mina will take his place.
Minute 16: Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas saved a free kick from Paraguay that was at risk in Colombia’s goal. The match remains 0-0.
Minute 13: Colombian midfielder Jéfferson Lerma received Colombia’s first yellow card in the Copa América, after cutting off a counterattack by Paraguay, led by Miguel Almirón.
Minute 5: Antioquian midfielder Richard Ríos created the first dangerous option for the Colombian National Team. He was close to scoring the Creoles’ first goal. The ball went wide.
The game has started! After an exciting chant from the thousands of Colombian fans who arrived at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, the ball rolled.
Colombia’s starting lineup presents a combination of experience and youth, with players who have proven their worth both in their clubs and in the National Team. Below, we present the 11 chosen by the Argentine strategist to face Paraguay:
Goalie:
Camilo Vargas: The Mexico Atlas goalkeeper will be in charge of protecting the Colombian goal. His experience and skills between the three sticks are fundamental for the team.
Defenders:
Daniel Muñoz: The right back of Genk of Belgium provides speed and defensive solidity.
Dávinson Sánchez: The Tottenham Hotspur center back in England is a key player in the defense, known for his ability to dominate in the air and his firmness in individual duels.
Jhon Jáner Lucumí: Another defensive bulwark of the team, currently at Bologna in Italy, who together with Sánchez will form a centre-back pairing that is difficult to overcome.
Johan Mojica: The left back of Spain’s Villarreal offers offensive projection and security in the rearguard.
Midfielders:
Jéfferson Lerma: The Bournemouth midfielder in England is vital for his ability to recover balls and his inexhaustible energy in the center of the field.
Richard Ríos: The Flamengo player from Brazil, known for his vision of the game and ability to distribute the ball, will be in charge of managing the team’s timing.
Jhon Arias: The creative of Fluminense from Brazil, provides imbalance and creativity in the middle of the field.
James Rodríguez: The experienced attacking midfielder, currently without a club, continues to be a reference in the team for his ability to generate play and his precision in mid-distance shots.
Fronts:
Luis Díaz: The Liverpool star of England is a constant threat to rival defenses with his speed and one-on-one ability.
Rafael Santos Borré: The Eintracht Frankfurt striker from Germany, recognized for his scoring ability and his mobility on the attacking front, will be in charge of leading the tricolor offensive.
With this lineup, Colombia seeks to start its participation in the Copa América on the right foot and take a firm step towards qualifying for the final phases of the tournament. The match against Paraguay promises to be an interesting challenge, but the Tricolor trusts in their talent and the direction of the Argentine coach to achieve a victory and start the competition on the right foot.
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