Colombia 2-1 Paraguay (Jun 24, 2024) Game Analysis

James Rodríguez created each objectives in Colombia’s 2-1 win over Paraguay of their opening Copa América Group D recreation in Houston on Monday, because the 2001 champions prolonged their unbeaten run to 24 matches.

First-half objectives from Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma secured the victory for Colombia, who dominated nearly all of the match, whereas Julio Enciso netted the lone purpose for Paraguay.

Colombia’s ninth consecutive win maintained a formidable run of 19 victories and 5 attracts since March 2022, with their final defeat a 1-0 loss to Argentina in February 2022.

Munoz gave Colombia the lead within the thirty second minute, expertly heading a Rodriguez cross into the web.

Captain Rodriguez grabbed his second help 10 minutes later when he whipped in a harmful free-kick, with Jefferson Lerma’s glancing header evading Paraguay goalkeeper Rodrigo Morínigo.

“I am very completely satisfied, it is necessary to begin nicely in the present day in opposition to a troublesome opponent like Paraguay,” Rodriguez informed Caracol Gol.

“We might have accomplished higher within the second half, however you appropriate issues higher when the crew wins, it is a lot simpler that manner.”

Paraguay intensified their efforts within the second half, with Enciso handing over Ramón Sosa’s cross within the 69th minute.

Colombia thought that they had a penalty within the 84th minute after Gustavo Velázquez appeared to have dragged down Yerry Mina within the field, however the referee was suggested to examine the monitor by VAR and the choice was overruled.

“We labored from the primary minute, on the lookout for the match; we knew it wasn’t going to be simple, regardless that the crew is doing nicely and is in good type, so we needed to counter Paraguay,” Colombia winger Luis Díaz informed Caracol Gol.

“Luckily, we scored two objectives that gave us a great result in make it harder for them… We’re calm. I’ve little question that we’ll have an excellent event and we’ll proceed like this.”

Paraguay struggled to create a strong scoring alternative within the seven minutes of second-half stoppage time, as Colombia shut up store and saved the door firmly closed.

Each groups are set to return to the pitch on Friday, with Colombia going through Costa Rica in Glendale, Arizona, and Paraguay taking over Brazil in Las Vegas. Brazil face Costa Rica in California in a while Monday.