COPA AMÉRICA 2024
Colombia confirmed lineup against Argentina in the 2024 Copa América final
Led by playmaker James Rodríguez, Colombia’s incredible two-year unbeaten run has taken them to a showpiece final against Argentina.
It’s difficult to image a more comprehensive turnaround than the one overseen by Nestor Lorenzo during his two years in charge of the Colombian national team.
Lorenzo took over in June 2022, inheriting a listless Colombia side that had failed to reach the World Cup finals in Qatar. It was just his second job as a head coach but Lorenzo took little time to adapt to the challenge and has made Colombia one of the most feared international teams in the world.
Live: Argentina - Colombia | Copa América final
In his two years in charge Colombia are unbeaten across 28 games and have beaten the likes of Germany, Brazil, Uruguay and Spain under Lorenzo. In this summer’s Copa América they topped a group that included Brazil, battered Panama 5-0 in the quarter-finals and then beat Uruguay to book their place in the final. Here’s how they will line up against Argentina...
Why is Daniel Muñoz suspended for Colombia?
The one major headache for Colombia heading into the final is an enforced change at right-back. Crystal Palace defender Daniel Muñoz was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the first half of the semi-final against Uruguay. He picks up a one-game suspension for that red card, meaning that he is unavailable for Lorenzo in the final.
Muñoz has been one of Colombia’s top performers this summer, notably scoring the opener in the 1-1 draw with Brazil that ensured that El Tri topped their group. With Muñoz out Lorenzo may opt to give Santiago Arias a start on the right of defence; the former Atlético Madrid fullback has featured largely in midfield so far this tournament.
Colombia will be hoping to pick up a second-ever piece of major silverware, the first since the Copa América triumph in 2001. Already Nestor Lorenzo has transformed the atmosphere around the Colombian national team and the 12 goals scored so far at the 2024 Copa América is the most that the team have ever managed in this competition. If he can mastermind a victory over world champions Argentina on Sunday his place in Colombian soccer history will be secured.