With a spot in the Copa América semi-finals at stake, check out our Colombia vs Panama prediction and preview for this crucial match.
A historic match is set for the Copa América Quarterfinals this Saturday, July 7, as Colombia and Panama meet for the first time ever in this tournament’s history during the decisive knockout stage of the 2024 edition. Both teams are eager to continue their impressive runs in the United States and secure a spot in the Semifinals.
Who won Copa America 2021?
Argentina
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Colombia vs Panama: Match Preview
Thomas Christiansen has urged Panama to continue defying expectations at the Copa America as they prepare to face Colombia in the quarter-finals.
Among players with more than five shots in the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América, José Fajardo boasts the second-best shot conversion rate, scoring on 29% of his attempts in the Group Stage (2 out of 7), only behind Argentina’s Lautaro Martínez (44%).
Despite losing their opening game 3-1 to a high-scoring Uruguay, Panama rallied to stun the host nation, the United States, by coming from behind to win 2-1.
They then secured a comfortable 3-1 victory over Bolivia, earning second place in Group C and advancing to the Copa America’s knockout stage for the first time.
This century, Panama has won four of the seven official matches played against CONMEBOL rivals, with three losses. Two of those victories came against Colombia in the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where Panama won 1–0 in the group stage and 3–2 in the semifinals.
Former Leeds United manager Christiansen emphasized that while his team aims to be the tournament’s surprise package, their success has been years in the making.
“When we were going to leave for the United States, I said I would like to be the surprise [of the tournament], like Morocco in the [2022] World Cup [who made it to the semi-finals],” he told reporters.
“Well, now we’re through to the next round. I am happy. Super happy.”
“It’s constant, really, what we have been doing, what we have been reaping in these almost four years.”
“[Is it a] coincidence? I don’t believe in coincidences. You have to work. You have to fight for it. Luck alone isn’t enough.”
Panama has made history by advancing to the knockout stage in only their second-ever Copa América™ appearance, finishing second in Group C with 6 points. They demonstrated their resilience in the opening match against Uruguay and showcased their attacking capabilities in victories over the United States and Bolivia. The only confirmed absentee for this match is midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, who is suspended.
Thomas Christiansen has crafted a team known for its solid defense, adept at stifling opponents and then counterattacking with speed and physicality. Players like José Fajardo, with two goals, and César Blackman, with one, have been standout performers in this tournament.
Colombia has been on a remarkable run recently, finishing first in Group D ahead of Brazil.
Colombia advanced from Group D after securing victories over Paraguay and Costa Rica, along with a draw against Brazil, to top their group with 7 points. However, they will be without midfielder Jefferson Lerma due to a suspension from accumulating yellow cards. Additionally, coach Néstor Lorenzo may be without defender Jhon Lucumí, who is still recovering from an injury sustained in the opening match.
After securing victories over Paraguay and Costa Rica, Colombia established themselves as the frontrunners before drawing 1-1 with Dorival Junior’s side in their final group match.
One of the key strengths of this Colombia team is their offensive prowess, having scored six goals in this edition of the Copa América, with three of those assists coming from number 10 James Rodríguez, the masterful playmaker for Los Cafeteros. Another standout player is right back Daniel Muñoz, who has already netted two goals in the Group Stage of this tournament.
Colombia has reached the Quarterfinals in the last six editions of the CONMEBOL Copa América (including 2024). Of these six appearances, four were decided by penalties, with Colombia winning two (against Peru in 2016 and Uruguay in 2021) and losing two (to Argentina in 2015 and Chile in 2019).
Since the tournament’s current format began in 1993, Colombia is tied with Brazil and Argentina as the team with the most Quarterfinal appearances in CONMEBOL Copa América, having reached this stage 12 times out of 13 possible.
In the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América, Colombia has been the most accurate team in crossing attempts, with a success rate of 41% (20 out of 49 attempts). James Rodríguez has been particularly effective, delivering eleven of these successful crosses and leading the competition in accuracy.
While this result might seem surprising at first glance, Colombia is currently the top team in South America, boasting an impressive 26-game unbeaten streak.
A key figure in their success has been James Rodríguez, who frequently serves as their talisman at major tournaments, first gaining prominence during the 2014 World Cup.
“I feel comfortable, there is still a long way to go, we still have to play on Saturday, but I felt good,” the former Real Madrid star said.
“I am going through a good phase here; we are going step by step. Panama will be difficult, but we will play with a lot of quality.”
The upcoming match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, promises to be historic and is sure to captivate both supporters and football fans alike.
Colombia vs Panama: Head-to-head
The two teams have never met in the history of CONMEBOL Copa América, but they did face off twice at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2005.
Here are the 4 results between the teams across all competitions:
- Colombia 3-0 Panama – Friendly (2019)
- Panama 0-4 Colombia – Friendly (2007)
- Colombia 2-3 Panama – Gold Cup, Semifinal (2005)
- Colombia 0–1 Panama – Gold Cup, Group Stage (2005)
Colombia vs Panama: Recent Form
Colombia: DWWWW (all competitions, most recent first)
Panama: WWLWW (all competitions, most recent first)
Colombia vs Panama: Team News and Predicted Line-up
Colombia: Team News
Colombia will be without Crystal Palace’s Jefferson Lerma due to suspension, which could see Mateus Uribe start alongside Richard Rios and Jhon Arias in a three-man midfield.
Jhon Lucumí, who missed Colombia’s last two group-stage matches with an injury sustained on matchday one, remains a doubt for Saturday’s game.
As a result, coach Néstor Lorenzo might opt to continue with Davinson Sánchez and Carlos Cuesta in central defense. A late decision will be made on whether Jhon Córdoba will keep his spot up front or if Rafael Santos Borré and Chelsea-linked Jhon Durán will be considered.
Bologna center-back Jhon Lucumí, who was injured while blocking a shot from Julio Enciso in the opener, has not featured since. The severity of the injury was highlighted when Davinson Sánchez held up Lucumí’s jersey after scoring against Costa Rica, dedicating the goal to his injured teammate.
At 32 years old and in the twilight of his career, James Rodríguez started every match in the group stage for Colombia and has provided three assists so far.
Colombia: Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Vargas
- Defenders: Munoz, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica
- Midfielders: Rios, Uribe, Arias
- Forwards: James Rodriguez, Cordoba, Diaz
Panama: Team News
For Panama, CONMEBOL has confirmed that Adalberto Carrasquilla will serve a two-match suspension following his straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Christian Pulisic in Panama’s victory over the USA last week.
Jovani Welch stepped in for Carrasquilla against Bolivia and is expected to continue in central midfield alongside Cristian Martínez, with César Blackman and Edgar Bárcenas providing width on the flanks.
Roderick Miller was relegated to the substitutes’ bench in the previous match and will be looking to reclaim his starting spot from Carlos Harvey to partner with José Córdoba and Edgardo Farina in central defense.
José Fajardo led Panama in the group stage with two goals, starting as striker ahead of Eduardo Guerrero. Goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera has yet to keep a clean sheet, which might lead coach Thomas Christiansen to consider bringing in the more experienced Luis Mejía.
Panama: Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Mosquera
- Defenders: Murillo, Farina, Cordoba, Harvey, Davies
- Midfielders: Blackman, Martinez, Welch, Barcenas
- Forwards: Fajardo
Colombia vs Panama: Match Prediction
Both nations head into Saturday’s match in high spirits, but Colombia is seen as the favorite to emerge victorious. Los Cafeteros have been unbeaten in all competitions since February 2022, and they possess the quality in attack to challenge Panama’s five-man defense.
We predict Colombia 3-1 Panama.
When and Where to Watch the Match LIVE in India?
The Colombia vs Panama Copa America 2024 Quarter-Final soccer game will be live-streamed on Fox and the Fox Sports app.
