Colombia advanced to the 2024 Copa America final by beating Uruguay despite the numerical inferiority of 10 players fighting. Colombia won 1-0 with Jefferson Lerma's winning goal in the 39th minute of the first half in the semifinals against Uruguay at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on the 11th (Korea time).
Colombia, which won its first Copa Cup in 2001, is aiming for its second career championship in 23 years. On the other hand, Uruguay, which won the Copa 15 times in its career, lost its first championship in 13 years and the most chance to record a championship in history. Uruguay is tied for first place with Argentina, winning the most championships with 15 times.
Colombia and Uruguay clashed strongly at the start of the game. When Colombia opened with Daniel Munoz's header in the 14th minute of the first half, Uruguay threatened with Darwin Núñez's left footed shot in the 17th minute of the first half.
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Colombia shook the net first after a battle. Lerma scored a header off James Rodriguez's corner. Rodriguez, the top scorer at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, recorded his sixth help in this tournament, breaking Lionel Messi (Argentina)'s record of most help in a tournament (5).
But the joy didn't last long. Colombia was in danger just before the end of the first half. Munoz hit him with his elbow during a war of nerves with his opponent. Munoz, who had already been yellow carded for a violent tackle in the 31st minute of the first half, received a second yellow card and was sent off with two warnings.
Uruguay seemed to take the lead in a reversal by banking on its numerical advantage. He drove hard at the start of the second half. Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa even put Luis Suarez in the 22nd minute of the second half. Suarez connected Federico Valverde's pass with a right-footed shot in the 26th minute of the second half, but hit the ground by hitting the post.
Uruguay finally failed to open the goal. Colombia won the ticket to the final. Colombia continued its unbeaten run (22 wins and 6 draws) in 28 straight A matches.
Colombia will play Argentina in the final on the 15th. Uruguay will play against Canada in the third and fourth places on the 14th.
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But there is bad news for Tottenham. Uruguay's leading midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was replaced in the 34th minute due to injury. He was also seen leaving the ground at half-time, helped by medical staff and Suarez.
Bentancourt, in fact, was squeaky from the start. He came under fire for Son Heung-min's racist remarks. The joke was controversial, and the aftermath was huge.
In the end, Son Heung-min came forward. On the 20th of last month, he spoke with Bentancourt on his SNS. He made a mistake, and apologized when he knew it. 'He didn't intend to say anything offending on purpose. We are brothers and nothing has changed.
And 'I'm going to get through this, I'm going to be united, I'm going to come together in pre-season and fight for our club as one.'"
Only then did Tottenham respond. Son Heung-min expressed the club's position for the first time in an open move. Tottenham are providing support to ensure a positive outcome on the matter after video of Bentancourt's interview and the player's public apology. This includes additional training for all athletes in line with the goals of diversity, equality and inclusion'
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Tottenham also added 'We fully agree that captain Son Heung-min draws a line on this incident and that the team can focus on the new season coming up. We are very proud of our diverse global fan base and squad. There is no place for discrimination in any termination in our club, in our game, in the wider society.
The Premier League Secretariat also shared its stance, saying 'EPL and its clubs are committed to eradicating all forms of discrimination. We will continue to support clubs, players and staff who take action against abuse caused by discrimination.
Bentancur suffered a long injury to his knee cruciate ligament last year. He stopped again with an injury on the day.
