James Rodriguez’s stellar performance leads Colombia to a 2-1 victory over Paraguay in Copa America Group D, extending their unbeaten streak to 24 matches.
Bollywood Fever: James Rodriguez orchestrated both goals in Colombia’s 2-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening Copa America Group D match in Houston on Monday. This win extended the 2001 champions’ unbeaten run to 24 matches.
First-half goals from Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma secured the win for Colombia, who controlled the majority of the match. Julio Enciso scored the only goal for Paraguay.
Colombia’s ninth consecutive win marked an impressive streak of 19 victories and five draws since March 2022. Their last defeat was a 1-0 loss to Argentina in February 2022.
Munoz opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, heading a precise cross from Rodriguez into the net. Captain Rodriguez then secured his second assist ten minutes later, delivering a dangerous free-kick that Lerma headed past Paraguay goalkeeper Rodrigo Morinigo.
“We worked from the first minute, looking for the match; we knew it wasn’t going to be easy, even though the team is doing well and is in good form, so we had to counter Paraguay,” said Colombia winger Luis Diaz to Caracol Gol. “Fortunately, we scored two goals that gave us a good lead to make it more difficult for them… We are calm. I have no doubt that we will have a very good tournament and we will continue like this.”
Paraguay increased their efforts in the second half, with Enciso converting Ramon Sosa’s cross in the 69th minute. Colombia thought they had a penalty in the 84th minute when Gustavo Velazquez seemed to drag down Yerry Mina in the box, but the referee overturned the decision after a VAR review.
Despite seven minutes of stoppage time, Paraguay struggled to create any solid scoring opportunities, as Colombia’s defense held firm.
Both teams will return to the pitch on Friday, with Colombia facing Costa Rica in Glendale, Arizona, and Paraguay taking on Brazil in Las Vegas. Brazil will face Costa Rica in California later on Monday.
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