Tonight, Colombia and Uruguay will compete for a chance to play Argentina in the Copa America Final. Colombia, are making their seventh semi-final appearance since 1993, with only once progressed to the final during this period, securing their sole title when they hosted it in 2001 with a narrow win over Mexico. Eager to break their semi-final curse, Colombia’s dynamic attacking lineup and solid defensive strategies will be crucial. Meanwhile, Uruguay, tied with Argentina for the most Copa America titles at 15, are eager to seize their 16th championship and cement their legacy as the tournament’s most successful nation.
Both teams have showcased remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament. Uruguay has conceded just one goal through the entire tournament so far, however, they will be facing an attack-forward Colombian team with 11 goals. This semi-final match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with each side bringing their best to the pitch in a battle for supremacy and a coveted place in the Copa America final.
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Road to the Copa America Semi-Final:
Uruguay:
Uruguay have soared through the Copa America to the semi-final proving their resilience and strategic excellence. Starting in Group C, they easily overtook Bolivia 5-0 and the United States 0-1. Uruguay also faced Panama in the group stage and dominated the game leaving Panama scoreless until Michael Murillo scored four minutes into added time. After securing these critical victories, Uruguay advanced from the group stage undefeated with only one goal against them.
In the quarter-final, Uruguay was tested further, they faced Brazil in a match that ended in a goalless draw after regulation time. The game was characterized by a high number of fouls, with 41 fouls committed between both teams. Uruguay was reduced to ten men in the second half after Nahitan Nandez received a red card. Despite being a man down, Uruguay managed to hold Brazil to a 0-0 draw, forcing the match into a penalty shootout which ended 4-2 for Uruguay.
Key Stats:
Record: 3 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses
Goals Scored: 9
Goals Conceded: 1
Possession: 51.25%
Passing Accuracy: 77.5%
Tackles Won: 96
Saves: 8
Fouls: 62
Yellow Cards: 3 Red Cards: 1
Colombia:
Colombia headed into the Copa America tournament with an undefeated streak of 24. They gave a strong performance in the group stage, topping Group D with two wins and a draw to boost their hot streak to 27. Colombia began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Paraguay and a 3-0 victory against Costa Rica. In their final game of the group stage, Los Cafeteros drew with Brazil 1-1. Despite the draw, Colombia finished at the top of the group due to their performances in the earlier games.
After an underwhelming performance from the Colombian offense against Brazil, Los Cafeteros headed into the quarter-finals ready to attack. Colombia dominated the match, winning 5-0. The win over Panama showcased Colombia’s ability to control the game. Through the tournament so far Colombia have been the highest-scoring team with 11 goals in 4 games, they will face Uruguay who has a rock-solid defense, letting in only 1 goal in 4 games.
Key Stats
Record: 3 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses
Goals Scored: 11
Goals Conceded: 2
Possession: 58.25%
Passing Accuracy: 84.27%
Tackles Won: 86
Saves: 7
Fouls: 63
Yellow Cards: 6
Team News:
Nahitan Nandez will be out for Uruguay on suspension after receiving a red card in the game against Brazil.
Uruguay defender Ronald Araújo will miss the rest of the Copa after sustaining a thigh injury early in the quarter-finals.
Jefferson Lerma will be back for Colombia after sitting out in the game against Panama after receiving two yellow cards.
Key Players:
Uruguay – José Giménez
If José Giménez plays against Colombia it will be his 20th Copa America appearance, becoming the sixth Uruguayan player to reach that many appearances. Giménez replaced Ronald Araujo after he suffered a thigh injury, providing key defense for La Celeste.
Colombia – James Rodríguez
James Rodríguez has guided the team to the semi-finals, not only creating 14 chances but capitalizing on those chances, notching five assists and one goal. After providing two assists in Colombia’s 5-0 victory over Panama, Rodríguez tied Lionel Messi’s record for most assists in a single Copa America tournament. Rodríguez is a dynamic player able to make and capitalize on important moments.
Copa America Semi-Final – Key Statistics
Colombia are unbeaten in their last 27 games (since February 2022)
Uruguay have scored first in four of their last five games
Colombia scored first in seven of their last eight matches
Uruguay won or drew in seven of their eight last matches against Colombia
