Colombia’s Borja points to referee “tipping the balance” in Argentina’s Copa América triumph

Despite being arguably the best team at the Copa América 2024, Colombia’s hopes were dashed as Argentina clinched a 1-0 victory with a goal from Lautaro Martínez in the 112th minute. The match was not without controversy, with Raphael Claus, the referee, taking center stage due to several disputed decisions.

Borja blames Claus for Copa defeat

Miguel Ángel Borja, who came on in the second period of extra time, expressed his frustration with the officiating after the match.

“I seldom speak about the referees, but sometimes the balance is tipped too much. There were plays that weren’t fouls but were called as such. In the last one, the foul he called is correct, Davinson’s, I’m not sure if it was a foul, to me there was a touch, but well, I think these are excuses and we have to keep working,” the striker said afterwards.

Indeed, Borja was one of the two players from Colombia to be booked. His yellow card came after a foul on Leandro Paredes and subsequently arguing with Lisandro Martínez, who fell to the ground claiming a hit from the forward.

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Colombian fans thanked by Borja

Borja did, however, also express his gratitude and resolve despite the painful outcome of the Copa América 2024.

“To all the people, thank you very much for the support. It’s painful what we are experiencing, but we will cling to God to give us mental strength and in our hearts to overcome this. We gave it our all. This is football, life goes on,” he added. In the 2024 edition, Borja played in two matches and scored one goal.

“Today was not our day, but the most important thing is that we are convinced we have a good team that can achieve important things. It’s a generation that is still very young and ready to fight for what’s to come. Thank you very much for giving us hope, despite playing little I enjoyed it, there is nothing to reproach.”