Colombia is striving to secure their second Copa America title but must first overcome 15-time champions Uruguay in the semi-finals.
Preview Thursday’s match with our Uruguay vs. Colombia prediction and analysis.
Who won Copa America 2021?
Argentina
Read More: Can James Rodríguez Lead Colombia to Copa América Glory Once Again?
Colombia vs Uruguay: Match Preview
The fans filling Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on July 11 can expect an unforgettable clash between two storied CONMEBOL teams vying for a spot in the tournament final. Both Colombia and Uruguay have been exceptionally impressive leading up to this crucial match.
Colombia has already matched their highest goal total in this competition with 11. A key factor in this offensive success has been their captain, James Rodriguez, who has tied Lionel Messi’s record of five assists in a single tournament since 2011 and will aim to break it against Uruguay. After a 5-0 victory over Panama in the Quarterfinals, Los Cafeteros lead this year’s competition in goals scored and will now face the tournament’s best defense.
Néstor Lorenzo insists that Colombia will not be satisfied unless they win the Copa America, with Uruguay next in the semi-finals.
Los Cafeteros are the tournament’s in-form team, boasting a 27-match unbeaten streak following their dominant 5-0 victory over Panama in the last round.
They have won all but one of their games in the Copa America, drawing 1-1 with Brazil to secure the top spot in Group D.
Colombia has only won the Copa America once before, in 2001, and despite their impressive form, Lorenzo says their campaign will only be successful if they end their 23-year wait for a second title.
“To have a good Copa America is to win it,” Lorenzo said. “It is not an abstract concept. The objective is to win every game we play, and the boys know that.”
“[We take it] game by game. The goal is to win the next game. The most important game is the next one.”
“We are confirming the importance of coming to the national team and wearing the shirt. They [the players] feel a great pride in being there and that is typical of players.”
“In this team, they kill themselves for their teammates. We worked hard on that from the beginning. It’s the way I feel about football from the technical direction.”
Uruguay, who defeated Brazil on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regular time, has allowed only one goal throughout the tournament. Marcelo Bielsa’s team has scored nine goals while maintaining a strong defensive record with their diligent style of play.
However, they will face Colombia on Wednesday without half of their regular backline. Right back Nahitan Nandez is suspended due to a red card, and Ronald Araujo, injured against Brazil, is likely out for the rest of the tournament. Experienced defender José Giménez is expected to replace Araujo, while Guillermo Varela is a likely option for Nandez.
If José Giménez plays against Colombia, he will become the sixth Uruguayan player to reach 20 appearances in the Copa America. He will join the ranks of Diego Pérez and Roberto Porta (both with 20), Schúbert Gambetta (21), Fernando Muslera (22), and Ángel Romano (23).
Uruguay secured their spot in the semi-finals after a goalless draw with Brazil and a subsequent victory on penalties.
Though they showcased free-flowing play early in the group stage, it has been their defensive solidity that has driven their progress, with no goals conceded in their last three matches.
Now, they face the highest scorers in this year’s Copa America. Head coach Marcelo Bielsa is well aware of the tough challenge Colombia’s attackers will pose.
“Colombia has many forwards, which is not common today,” Bielsa said. “There is more than one option for each level without much difference.”
James Rodríguez has provided five assists in this year’s Copa America. One more assist will make him the first player to exceed this number in a single edition since these records began in 2011, breaking the current record he shares with Lionel Messi (five assists in 2021).
Additionally, he has created the most chances so far (14) and scored his first goal in their recent win over Panama.
“The Colombian footballer has undergone a transformation. ‘He’ has always been creative, dominant, naturally competitive and has added the essentials to survive in today’s football.”
The last time either team reached the final—Colombia in 2001 and Uruguay in 2011—they went on to win the title. This year, the winner of this semifinal will face Argentina for the continent’s top prize.
Colombia vs Uruguay: Head-to-head
Colombia and Uruguay have faced each other 12 times in the CONMEBOL Copa América. Uruguay has won six of these encounters, while Colombia has won five, with one match ending in a draw.
Last 5 meetings in the tournament:
- 2021 Edition: Colombia (4) 0-0 (2) Uruguay – Quarterfinals
- 2004 Edition: Colombia 1-2 Uruguay – 3rd Place Match
- 1999 Edition: Colombia 1-0 Uruguay – Group Stage
- 1995 Edition: Colombia 0-2 Uruguay – Semifinals
- 1993 Edition: Colombia (5) 1-1 (3) Uruguay – Quarterfinals
Colombia vs Uruguay: Recent Form
Colombia: WDWWW
Uruguay: DWWWW
Colombia vs Uruguay: Team News and Predicted Line-up
Colombia: Team News
Colombia will receive a significant boost on Wednesday as Crystal Palace defensive midfielder Jefferson Lerma returns from suspension. However, defender Jhon Lucumi, who has missed the last three games due to a leg injury, is expected to be absent once again.
Head coach Nestor Lorenzo is likely to continue with Davinson Sanchez and Carlos Cuesta in central defense, while Jhon Cordoba is expected to start up front, ahead of Rafael Santos Borre and Chelsea-linked Jhon Duran.
Former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez was the standout performer at the University of Phoenix Stadium, where Colombia thrashed Panama 5-0. With this impressive display, Rodriguez now has five assists and one goal in the Copa America, becoming the first Colombian to achieve this number of assists in a major international tournament. Liverpool’s Luis Diaz also scored against Panama and will play a crucial role in the attack against Uruguay.
Colombia: Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Vargas
- Defenders: Munoz, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica
- Midfielders: Rios, Lerma, Arias
- Forwards: James Rodriguez, Cordoba, Diaz
Uruguay: Team News
Uruguay will be without Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, who limped off against Brazil last weekend and is expected to be sidelined for the next few weeks with a muscle injury. Jose Maria Gimenez, who replaced Araujo during the match, is likely to start in his place.
Head coach Marcelo Bielsa will also miss Boca Juniors star Nahitan Nandez, who received a straight red card in the 71st minute of their quarterfinal. Flamengo right-back Guillermo Varela, who came on as a late substitute last time, could be handed a starting role against Colombia.
Bielsa has effectively implemented his signature philosophy into the Uruguayan team, characterized by aggressive man-marking, counter-pressing with a high line, and a 3-4-3 formation. The Celeste will aim to build from the midfield and control the tempo, supported by the energetic duo of Manuel Ugarte and Federico Valverde.
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez will lead Bielsa’s attack on Wednesday, having started his Copa America campaign with back-to-back goals against Panama and Bolivia last month. Attacker Maximiliano Araujo, who was stretchered off wearing a neck brace after a collision in Uruguay’s win over the USA, returned from injury to play the full 90 minutes against Brazil and is expected to start again here.
Uruguay: Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Rochet
- Defenders: Varela, Gimenez, Olivera, Vina
- Midfielders: Ugarte, Valverde, De la Cruz
- Forwards: Pellistri, M. Araujo, Nunez
Colombia vs Uruguay: Match Prediction
Both Colombia and Uruguay have been in fine form during the competition, showcasing some attractive football so far. Given Colombia’s unbeaten streak and impressive goalscoring record since their 2001 championship, they are expected to secure a narrow victory.
Prediction: Colombia 2:1 Uruguay
Unfortunately, there has been no official confirmation of TV and live stream broadcasts of Copa America in India. While reports suggested that FanCode and Sony were in talks to acquire broadcast rights for the tournament, no official announcement has been made. Currently, there is no official platform or channel in India where viewers can stream or watch the match.
When and Where to Watch the Match LIVE in India?
Unfortunately, there has been no official confirmation of TV and live stream broadcasts of Copa America in India. While reports suggested that FanCode and Sony were in talks to acquire broadcast rights for the tournament, no official announcement has been made. Currently, there is no official platform or channel in India where viewers can stream or watch the match.
