With two assists from James, Colombia beats Paraguay in Copa América debut

With two assists from James, Colombia beats Paraguay in Copa América debut

This Monday, in the first round of Group A of the Copa América, Colombia played against Paraguay at the NRG Stadium and won 2-1. The winning goals were scored by Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma, while Julio Enciso pulled one back.

With the positive result, the team led by Nestor Lorenzo, which has not lost since February 2022 (19 wins and five draws), scored the first three points and took the lead in the group. It is worth highlighting the performance of James Rodríguez, owner of two assists. However, Brazil could still overtake the Colombians tonight. The five-time champion takes the field against Costa Rica, also in the first round. On the other hand, Paraguay was stuck in last place, without a point.

Colombia returns to the pitch this Friday, against Costa Rica, in the second round of the Copa América. The ball rolls at 7pm (Brasília time), at the University of Phoenix Stadium. On the same day, Paraguay faces Brazil. This time at 10pm (Brasília time), at Allegiant Stadium.

The game

After just five minutes, Colombian Richard Ríos charged and took a risk from the middle of the street, but the ball skimmed the left post of the goal saved by Rodrigo Mario.

At 17, Paraguay responded with a free kick from Julio Enciso. The athlete hit the right corner of the goal, but Camilo Vargas flew in to make the save.

Until at 32, James Rodríguez dominated on the left of the attack and crossed to the head of Daniel Muñoz, who completed it without any worries into the back of the net.

Ten minutes later, Jefferson Lerma expanded. After a great free kick from James, the player, also with a header, deflected the ball past archer Rodrigo Mario.

At 14 minutes into the final stage, Luis Díaz almost scored the third for the Colombians. The number 7 wasted the rebound, sending the ball over the crossbar.

After a great chance wasted, Paraguay reduced the deficit. Sosa made a good play and crossed for the 20-year-old Julio Enciso, who finished in the right corner of Camilo Vargas’ goal.

At 29, James came face to face with the goalkeeper, but opted to pass into the middle of the area. Thus, the defender turned it away for a corner.

In the next minute, Luis Díaz dominated inside the area, took it from the defender and finished off-balance, sending it out of the goal. In this way, the score remained until the final whistle.


Source: Gazetaesportiva

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