In-Form Colombia are through to the final of the Copa America after beaten Uruguay 1-0 in a dramatic affair that was perhaps the most entertaining game of the whole tournament.
Messi and Argentina wait for Colombia in Miami. This Sunday will be the first major final the Cafeteros have played in since they won the Copa at home in 2001.
Colombia came out of the blocks firing, like they have done all tournament, but at times their pressing game left them way too open at the back, and Liverpool forward Darwin Nuñez had some fantastic chances.
They went into the break 1-0 up thanks to a Jefferson Lerma header from a fine James RodrÃguez corner, a deserved goal for a strong front-footed performance.
Colombia also went into the break one man down though, as Crystal Palace fullback Muñoz saw all of his positive energy misplaced in a moment of rage. He struck Manuel Ugarte with an elbow off the ball and was rightfully dismissed upon a VAR review of the incident.
At the start of the second half Colombia made a defensive change and set up in a 4-3-2 shape to try and seal the defence without completely losing all attacking options. DÃaz and Cordoba were the outlets for a team that went from a high press to a low block during the break.
After an hour of the game James had to be substituted. He was beginning to see red after receiving a yellow card from the referee.
These two sides met in Colombia last year and drew 2-2, and names like James and Suarez would tempt you to reminisce about their World Cup knock-out battle back in 2014 when James Rodriguez took the World by storm. This Copa América semifinal became a classic of its own
Seven minutes of stoppage time saw Colombia hit the crossbar on yet another break. As if they were throwing away their own final confirmation, but at the other end Uruguay were being just as wasteful in what was a truly thrilling tie with an emotional atmosphere.
The final whistle went after what felt like an eternity and sparked scenes of jubilation amongst Colombia players and fans alike.
It also means they are a record 28 games without defeat in international football and as mentioned they have a date with destiny this weekend, against World Cup winners Argentina and Lionel Messi.
Argentina on their own beat Canada 2-0 in the first Simi final played in the early hours of Wednesday
Copa America;: Colombia Beat Uruguay To Set Up Final With Argentina
