The class of former Porto player James Rodriguez led Colombia to a 2-1 victory over Paraguay on Monday in the first round of Group D of the 48th Copa America.
At the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, the now 32-year-old Sao Paulo player assisted Daniel Muñoz in the 32nd minute and Jefferson Lerma in the 42nd minute, making two “millimeter” passes with his left foot.
The Paraguayans still fought back with a goal from Julio Enciso in the 69th minute, but the Cafetero had no problems until the end in a game in which they were always the better and could have even done better. comfortable victory.
The result leaves Colombia temporarily isolated at the top of the group ahead of the clash between Brazil and Costa Rica, who face each other in Inglewood, California.
The Colombian team, led by Argentine Nestor Lorenzo, started better and created the first opportunities: a strike from Palmeiras’ Richard Rios in the fifth minute and a header from Daniel Muñoz in the seventh minute.
The Paraguayans made their first dangerous appearance at the other goal in the 17th minute: Enciso’s free-kick was deflected forward by Camilo Vargas, with Fabian Balbuena reloading.
In a balanced game, Colombia took the lead in the 32nd minute, with James working on the left flank, lifting his head and sending the ball to the second post, where Muñoz appeared isolated, heading downwards.
Ten minutes later, the Cafeteros increased their advantage with a free kick: James scored from the right, with his left foot, and at the near post, Jefferson Lerma jumped higher and deflected the ball out of the reach of Rodrigo Morinigo.
In the second half, former Porto player Luis Diaz could have scored Colombia’s third goal in the 59th minute, but he fired high, and in the 69th minute, Paraguay pulled the ball back through Enciso, who saved with his right foot. , towards the second post, Ramon Sosa’s cross from the left, which was launched from position 59.
The Paraguayans, however, never got closer to a draw in the closing stages of the match, again led by Colombia, who could have scored a third through James in the 75th and 77th minutes, and Luis Diaz in the 76th. .
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.