Colombia is in the final of the Copa America 2024. They against the odds defeated Uruguay in the semi-final of the quadrennial tournament. Jefferson Lerma’s goal in the 39th minute was the winner in the high-intensity match. After the win, they extended its unbeaten streak to a team record 28 games, one more than from 1992-94 and the longest current streak in men’s international soccer.
Under Nestor Lorenzo, the underdogs have turned out to be the contenders for becoming the champions of America. He was appointed as Colombia’s manager in June 2022. He succeeded Reinaldo Rueda. Lorenzo was not the favourite of the former Colombian footballer Carlos Valderrama. However, he turned out to be their best man and helped the side to qualify for the tournament final in 2001. The last they qualified in the final they won 1-0 against Mexico.
The Los Cafeteros’s job will be difficult in the final against Argentina. The La Albiceleste will be looking to defend their trophy and become the first team in South America to win any three major tournaments in three years. Like Spain did back in 2008-2012. Lionel Messi’s side won in their last meeting in any tournament in the 2021 semi-final where they defeated them in the penalty shootouts.
Colombia set to crash out Argentina’s title dream
Both teams have been excellent defensively. The three-time world champions have conceded just one goal so far in the tournament. While Colombia conceded on two occasions in the tournament, once to Brazil and another time to Paraguay. They held three clean sheets and have not conceded in two knockout-round contests.
In their last 5 meetings Messi’s side has won just one game three games have been drawn and one has been won by Colombia. The match-up has been exciting to watch always when these two teams have taken the field. James Rodriguez’s side will look to take on the revenge of the 2021 semi-final and win their first major silverware in 23 years.
