Luis Diaz is one victory away from lifting a trophy for his nation after Colombia survived the total second half with solely 10 males and guarded their 1-0 lead over Uruguay.
The aftermath of the semi-final tie at Copa America has marred the motion that unfolded on the pitch, with Darwin Nunez concerned in a combat with followers within the stands.
It got here after a tense battle on the sector of play, which noticed the referee blow the whistle for a mixed 24 fouls, and present six yellow playing cards and one crimson.
Uruguay dominated possession nevertheless it was an in any other case even contest with 11 pictures apiece, although Colombia had the higher of the probabilities with an xG of 1.18 in comparison with 0.76 for Marcelo Bielsa’s aspect.
Nunez was described by El Observador as having “a second of resignation when he missed his third shot on purpose,” the alternative feelings of Jefferson Lerma who netted the one purpose of the sport.
The Crystal Palace man scored from a nook within the thirty ninth minute, solely moments earlier than Daniel Munoz was despatched off for a second yellow card offence after elbowing Manuel Ugarte in response to a coming collectively.
The shift to 10 males requested much more from Diaz up prime earlier than being subbed out of the match with solely 4 minutes remaining – he gained the second-most floor duels (seven) and was fouled 3 times.
He did lose 15 of his duels and full simply two of his seven dribbles, however he by no means stopped shifting as his aspect navigated 45 minutes with a person much less, holding on for a well-known win.
It units up a remaining towards Alexis Mac Allister‘s Argentina on Sunday night (Monday morning UK/1am BST). Nunez’s Uruguay will meet Canada within the third-place play-off on Saturday night (Sunday morning UK/1am BST).
Commiserations and celebrations
Luis Diaz menenangkan Nunez yang menangis.. Sedih weyy ??#Blibli @bliblidotcom pic.twitter.com/sMAiQ0eEhT
— Jürgenholic Indonesia (@thejurgenholic) July 11, 2024
Regardless of Diaz’s apparent jubilation and emotion, he made certain to console his Liverpool team-mate after the ultimate whistle, with the pair sharing a variety of hugs.
Liverpool’s No. 7 had tears in his eyes when the ultimate whistle went and all through his post-match interviews, although he reduce a extra excited determine throughout Colombia’s celebrations within the dressing room.
On the victory, he stated he feels “happiness [and] delight as a result of now we have been engaged on it because the first match till at present and I really feel happy with every considered one of our teammates and gamers.”
pic.twitter.com/3DwQ6uF5JJ
— acervo richard ríos (@acervorios) July 11, 2024
“It’s a dream come true, one which all of us had deliberate since we had been little and at present that it’s fulfilled fills us with a variety of happiness.
“Now we have to take pleasure in this second and relaxation for what’s coming, which goes to be tremendous essential.”
A Liverpool participant is assured to elevate the Copa America trophy, however will or not it’s Diaz or Mac Allister?