By Alfredo Di Cesare
Jun 24, 2024, 8:10 PM EDT
Living a second youth, James Rodríguez gave Colombia the 2-1 victory over Paraguay in the Copa América on a silver platter thanks to two very precise assists. Although those led by Néstor Lorenzo dominated the actions, the Guaraníes warned with two plays, one by Julio César Enciso and another by Miguel Almirón.
Colombia knew how to overcome a battered grass at the NRG Stadium and the misfortune of injuries. At minute 25, Bologna of Italy’s center back, John Lucumí, left due to a physical ailment in one of his legs after a defensive cross. He was replaced by Yerry Mina. The stars aligned and in his 100th game with the national team, James Rodríguez decided to shine.
At 33′ a precise and exquisite cross from the left of the 10 found the head of the right back Daniel Muñoz, who did not spare the second post of the goal defended by Rodrigo Morinigo.
The high pressure of the coffee growers could be effective thanks to figures like Richard Ríos, who became a true vacuum cleaner in the center of the field. At the end of the second half, a rehearsed play from a set piece gave the tricolor the second goal. On the right, James served a hanging cross to the near post and midfielder Jefferson Lerma did not forgive.
Paraguay revived in the second half
What seemed like it was shaping up to be the first rout of the Copa América, ended up being a great back-and-forth game. The Guaraníes refused to die without trying. A wall destroys a defense and that is what Paraguay did in the 69th minute when Julio César Enciso finished off a cross at the far post and nailed it against the leg of Camilo Vargas.
The match ended up breaking down and both teams went from one side to the other looking to change the fate of the match. Colombia almost managed to kill the game with a third goal that almost became effective when referee Darío Herrera whistled a penalty on Yerry Mina for grabbing Gustavo Velásquez after a cross from James.
Four minutes later, at 88′, the principal annulled his decision in the VAR. Colombia takes the victory in its debut in group D of the Copa América and surpasses Paraguay in the history of matches. Both teams arrived in Houston with five wins per side and one draw. With today’s victory, the coffee growers lead with six wins.
Colombia will play again on Friday the 28th against Costa Rica at State Farm. While Paraguay will face Brazil at the Allegiant Stadium.
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