Copa America 2024: Lorenzo Applauds Colombia’s Courageous Semifinal Victory

Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo praised his team’s valor in their 1-0 victory over Uruguay in a highly eventful Copa America semifinal on Wednesday.

Despite playing with 10 men for the entire second half due to Daniel Munoz’s red card just before halftime, Colombia managed to secure the win without resorting to overly defensive tactics.

“It was a very difficult match. Uruguay is an excellent team with outstanding players, and I have great admiration for their coach, Marcelo Bielsa,” Lorenzo commented.

“We took risks and showed bravery. Even with a numerical disadvantage, we kept two strikers on the field, which was a courageous decision that paid off,” he added.

Munoz received his marching orders for a reckless challenge on Manuel Ugarte, earning a second yellow card, but Lorenzo expressed understanding and support for his player.

“Dani is disappointed because he’s a fighter, driven by emotion. I hugged him and told him that we wouldn’t be here without him,” Lorenzo stated.

“One of the things we always emphasize is the importance of not losing a player,” he acknowledged.

The victory sets up a final clash against Argentina in Miami on Sunday, a prospect Lorenzo eagerly anticipates.

“It’s going to be a special match. I’ll be competing against players I’ve known throughout my career and whom I deeply respect,” said Lorenzo, a former assistant coach for Argentina.

“We need to recover well and prepare. Hopefully, there won’t be any major injury concerns, as there are always knocks and pains to manage. But I believe we’ll be ready,” he added.

The win extends Colombia’s unbeaten streak to 28 matches, with 25 of those victories under Lorenzo’s tenure, surpassing the previous record set between 1992 and 1994 during the era of legends like Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincon.

“We’ve taken it game by game, building on the foundations laid by those before us. It’s about adding to the legacy and growing Colombian football,” Lorenzo concluded.

“This team is determined to be a contender, hungry for success, and steadily progressing. We’re moving forward,” he emphasized.