- Colombia’s undefeated streak continues to 23 games
- Brazil and Costa Rica play later tonight to round out Group D
Highlights
- A resolute Paraguayan defense kept Colombia shutout until Colombian captain James Rodriguez delivered a perfect cross to Daniel Munoz who headed in the opening goal
- Rodriguez then provided another assist right before halftime from a free kick to Jefferson Lerma to double his country’s lead.
- Julio Enciso scored his first ever CONMEBOL Copa América™ goal to cut the lead in half, but Los Cafeteros held on to win 2-1.
Match summary
NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas had a sea of fans descending upon the venue to watch Colombia take on Paraguay in the opening match of Group D at CONMEBOL Copa America. The two CONMEBOL countries were eager to get off to a hot start at the tournament and it would be the Colombians who’d strike first.
Paraguay did an excellent job of frustrating Colombia through the first 30 minutes of the match. Nestor Lorenzo’s side, who were on a 22 game unbeaten streak, struggled to create chances against the Paraguayans defense which held firm time and time again. It was only when Colombian captain James Rodriguez in the 32' whipped in a perfect cross to fullback Daniel Munoz who headed it past Rodrigo Morinigo that Los Cafeteros would break through.
Ten minutes later and it was Rodriguez again who orchestrated another Colombian goal. From a free kick, Los Cafeteros’ #10 put a beautiful cross onto the head of Jefferson Lerma who scored Colombia’s second headed goal of the half.
Paraguay was more aggressive offensively in the second half and it paid off in the 69’ when youngster Julio Enciso, who just enjoyed a breakout season at Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, scored his first ever goal in the tournament. The Paraguyans continued to push for an equalizer but Colombia held on to secure all three points in Group D.
What’s next?
Los Cafeteros next match is against Costa Rica at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on June 28 while Paraguay faces off against Brazil at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada also on June 28.
Scoring Summary:
COL: 32’ Munoz (Rodriguez assist)
COL: 42’ Lerma (Rodriguez assist)
POR: 69' Enciso (Rosa assist)
Superior Player of the Match Michelob ULTRA: James Rodriguez
Lineups:
Colombia: Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Borre
Used substitutes: Mina, Uribe, Cordoba, Quintero, Castano
Cards: Lerma (Yellow)
Coach: Nestor Lorenzo
Paraguay: Morinigo; Espinoza, Alderete, Balbuena, Velazquez; Caballero, Cubas, Villasanti; Enciso, Arce, Almiron
Used substitutes: Bonadilla, Sosa, Bareiro, Romero, Rojas
Cards: Velazquez (Yellow), Cubas (Yellow), Garnero (Yellow)
Coach: Daniel Garnero
Referee: Dario Herrera (Argentina)
Venue: NGR Stadium, Houston, Texas (USA)
