Mighty Uruguay face the Colombian Challenge for the Final

July 10, 2024- Argentina breezes into the final of the Copa America by defeating Minnows Canada. They will face the winner of the second semi-final, which will feature the two South American giants, Uruguay and Colombia. Both teams are strong contenders for the title. Colombia, under Nestor Lorenzo, seems invincible, as they are on a 27-match unbeaten streak, while Uruguay is high on confidence after beating Brazil on penalties in the quarterfinal. Under the management of Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay adopted an offensive style of play, due to which opponents face difficulty infiltrating through midfield, so they have to rely on wings for their attacks. Colombia has the capability to thrash its South American opponents. Captain James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz are the key figures for their team's success. Colombian Coach Nestor Lorenzo will try to operate and launch attacks from the right side as Uruguay is suffering from two major defense losses from quarterfinals: centre-back Ronald Araujo (due to injury) and right-back Nahitan Nandez (red card suspension) are unavailable for the match. On the other hand, Colombia enjoyed a joyous night, beating Panama 5-0 in their quarterfinal fixture and will pose a major challenge to the Uruguayan defense. Coach Bielsa stated, 'We haven't decided for Nahitan's replacement', but Guillermo Varela and Agustin Canobbio are options available for selection, whereas Jose Gimenez is likely to start in place of Araujo.

Probable Starting Lineups- 

Uruguay- Rochet; Varela, Gimenez, Olivera, Vina; Valverde, Ugarte; Pellistri, de la Cruz, Araujo; Nunez

Colombia- Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Uribe, Arias; Rodriguez, Cordoba, Diaz

Preview by Sarthak Khode

Contact- sarthakkhode@gmail.com

Uruguay thrashed Bolivia, USA on the brink of early exit after loss to 'Los Canelores'

June 30, 2024- On Copa America's second matchday, with Uruguay taking on Bolivia, La Celeste dominated the match, scoring five goals and virtually qualifies for quarterfinals. Uruguay's Facundo Pellistri opened the scoreline within seven minutes after the start. In the 21st minute, Darwin Nunez doubled their lead with a perfect strike and extended his goal-scoring streak to seven consecutive matches for the national team. Uruguay attempted eighteen shots, of which nine were on target, whereas Bolivia had only four attempts, with one on target. The second half was a one-team show, as Uruguay were pressing high on the Bolivians as a result POTM Maximiliano Araujo scored in the 77th minute after a sublime pass by Nicolas de la Cruz; four minutes later, Federico Valverde breached the Bolivian defense again and scored with a simple finish. During the 89th minute, Rodrigo Bentancur headed the ball into the goal after Arrascaeta's free kick and added one more to the tally. Uruguay comfortably won the match and will take on the hosts, the United States, on their last group outing. 

Uruguay's Darwin Nunez after his goal against Bolivia.

In another group match, Panama defeated the United States and became a contender for the quarterfinals, whereas the USA is on the verge of an early exit from the tournament. USA had to play the majority of the match with ten men as Timothy Weah was booked with a red card in the 18th minute. The hosts take the lead in the 22nd minute as Folarin Balogun's power shot breezes past the Panamanian keeper. But excitement doubled when Panama leveled the score just after four minutes with Cesar Blackman's shot. Although the USA is the best-ranked team in North America, they were badly exposed by 43rd-ranked Panama. Visitors hold the majority of possession and get a result that would be decisive for the knockout stage. USA will face an in form Uruguay and Panama takes on Bolivia. USA had to win or draw the match to go into the quarterfinals. On the other hand, the equation for Panama is simple, as they have to win their last game compulsorily for a spot in the knockouts.

 

USA players discussing with referee after Timothy Weah's foul.

Final Results

Uruguay          Bolivia

5          -          0

United States         Panama

1          -          2

By Sarthak Khode

Contact- sarthakkhode@gmail.com