James Rodríguez played a pivotal role in Colombia’s 2-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening Copa América Group D match in Houston on Monday. This win extended Colombia’s unbeaten streak to 24 matches.
First-half goals by Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma secured the win for Colombia, who controlled most of the game. Julio Enciso scored the lone goal for Paraguay.
Colombia’s ninth consecutive win continued their impressive run of 19 victories and five draws since March 2022. Their last defeat was a 1-0 loss to Argentina in February 2022.
Muñoz opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, expertly heading in a cross from Rodríguez. Captain Rodríguez then delivered a dangerous free-kick ten minutes later, which Lerma converted with a glancing header past Paraguay’s goalkeeper Rodrigo Morínigo.
“I’m very happy; it’s important to start well against a tough opponent like Paraguay,” Rodríguez told Caracol Gol. “We could have done better in the second half, but it’s easier to correct things when the team wins.”
Paraguay increased their efforts in the second half, with Enciso scoring from a Ramón Sosa cross in the 69th minute.
Colombia thought they had earned a penalty in the 84th minute after Gustavo Velázquez appeared to drag down Yerry Mina in the box. However, after a VAR review, the referee overturned the decision.
“We worked from the first minute, knowing it wouldn’t be easy despite our good form,” Colombia winger Luis Díaz told Caracol Gol. “Scoring two goals gave us a good lead and made it more difficult for them. We are confident and believe we’ll have a very good tournament.”
Paraguay struggled to create clear scoring opportunities during the seven minutes of stoppage time, as Colombia effectively defended their lead.
Both teams will return to action on Friday, with Colombia facing Costa Rica in Glendale, Arizona, and Paraguay taking on Brazil in Las Vegas. Brazil will also play Costa Rica in California later on Monday.
