Colombia vs Paraguay : Colombia Break Through, Edge Paraguay 2-1 to Maintain Unbeaten Run in Copa América
Colombia bounced back from their frustrating opening draw against Paraguay to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory in their second Group D match of the Copa América on Tuesday night at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. This win extends their unbeaten streak to an impressive 23 games, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess.
Early Breakthrough Sets the Tone
Colombia started brightly, determined to make amends for their goalless draw. Their proactive approach yielded results in the 18th minute. A well-orchestrated attack involving Luis Díaz and Juan Cuadrado culminated in a clinical finish by Miguel Borja, putting the Colombians 1-0 up.
Paraguay Responds But Struggles to Equalize
Paraguay didn’t go down without a fight. Oscar Romero pulled his team level just before halftime with a well-placed header from a corner kick. This goal injected some life into the Paraguayan side, but they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the second half.
Zapata Secures the Win with Late Strike
Colombia maintained control of the game after the break, but the Paraguayan defense held firm for most of the second period. Just when a draw seemed inevitable, Duván Zapata stepped up in the 89th minute. He rose above the Paraguayan defenders to head home a pinpoint cross from James Rodríguez, sending the Colombian fans into a frenzy.
Dominant Performance Extends Unbeaten Run
This victory keeps Colombia’s Copa América hopes alive and maintains their remarkable unbeaten run. Their attacking trio of Díaz, Borja, and Zapata finally clicked, showcasing their potential. The Colombian defense also displayed improved composure compared to their opening match.
Paraguay Left to Rue Missed Opportunities
Paraguay will be left to rue missed opportunities, especially in the second half. While they showed commendable fighting spirit, they lacked the attacking creativity to truly challenge Colombia.
Looking Ahead: Colombia Eyes Group Stage Domination
Colombia now sits atop Group D with a perfect record. They face their final group stage match against Costa Rica with qualification for the knockout stages almost secured. This victory will serve as a significant confidence booster as they aim to claim top spot in the group.
Key Takeaways:
- Colombia scores early and holds on for a crucial victory.
- Duván Zapata seals the win with a late header.
- Paraguay shows fight but falls short.
- Colombia maintains unbeaten run and looks to dominate Group D.
