Copa America: From Colombian joy to Charlotte brawl

Colombia overcame the challenge of playing with one man down for the entire second period to beat Uruguay 1-0. It will now attempt to lift its second-ever Copa America trophy this Sunday.

• READ MORE: Colombia 1-0 Uruguay: Highlights, stats and result
• READ MORE: Copa America Stats

The stage will be Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where the team led by Nestor Lorenzo will meet again with the defending champion Argentina, the last team to beat the Colombians before they went on a 28-unbeaten streak.

The celebration last night in their semi-final victory was soured somewhat by a brawl in the stands of Bank of America Stadium in which Uruguay’s players were involved.

Argentina vs. Colombia, the defending champion vs. the best team of the tournament; get your popcorn ready, because next Sunday, South Florida will host a colorful party to celebrate the new ‘King of the continent’.

Copa America: Colombia 1-0 Uruguay

• James “rubbed the lamp” again

James Rodriguez is shining in this Copa America resorting to his favorite tool: his left foot, which allowed him to add his sixth assist of the tournament leading to Jefferson Lerma’s goal.

Colombia’s captain tied the record of assists in a single edition of Copa America, equalling Brazil’s Alex who achieved it in 2004.

• Charlotte with the best attendance at Copa America

Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte recorded the best attendance at Copa America since the opening match at Mercedes Benz Stadium on June 20 with 70,644 last night, edging out the tournament opener in Atlanta.

• Brawl between Uruguayan players and Colombian fans

Several Uruguayan players, including Darwin Núñez and Ronald Araújo, jumped into the stands where they were involved in a brawl with Colombian fans after the end of the match.

According to some reports, the players jumped into the stands to take care of their families and ended up getting involved in the fight while objects and liquids were rained on them. The conflict lasted for a while as police efforts were at first ineffective in separating those involved.

• Daniel Muñoz lost his head; eighth sent off

Defender Daniel Múñoz was sent off for a second yellow card for delivering an elbow to the chest of Uruguay’s Manuel Ugarte just before the end of the first half.

Colombia found itself at a disadvantage throughout the second half, managing to hold on to the 1-0 lead since the 40th minute.

• More injuries in Uruguay and Colombia

Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was substituted due to injury in the 34th minute of the first half, after showing visible discomfort in his thigh for more than 10 minutes and was replaced by Guillermo Varela.

On the other hand, Colombian Richard Ríos was injured in a collision with Uruguayan players. After being stretchered off and brought back on, medical assistance had to return to the field to take him away again.