Can Colombia maintain their dominant run or will Paraguay spring a surprise?
Copa America 2024 kicks off on Monday, June 24th, with a Group D clash between Colombia and Paraguay. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the matchup, including team news, predicted lineups, and expert predictions.
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Colombia on a Tear
Los Cafeteros enter the competition boasting a remarkable 23-match unbeaten streak, most recently dismantling Bolivia 3-0. Their confidence is sky-high, having not lost an international game in over two years.
Head coach Nestor Lorenzo’s men are on a scorching eight-match winning run, outscoring opponents by a staggering 12-3 margin. Notably, Colombia hasn’t trailed for a single minute in their four matches this year, showcasing their dominance.
Paraguay Seeking Redemption
Paraguay head into the tournament with a morale boost after securing their first victory of 2024 in their final friendly against Panama. However, they’ll need to overcome a winless streak in their last four matches, including a concerning run of failing to score in any of those encounters.
Key Players in Focus
- Colombia: James Rodriguez, the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner, will be a focal point for Los Cafeteros. He recently reached the milestone of 100 caps for his nation. Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, another attacking talent, is nearing his 50th cap and is fresh off scoring his 12th international goal.
- Paraguay: Captain Gustavo Gomez, a veteran defender with 74 caps, will be crucial in leading Paraguay’s backline. Miguel Almiron, their most experienced attacker with 55 caps, offers a potent threat with his pace and skills honed in the Premier League with Newcastle United.
Head-to-Head and History
Colombia holds the upper hand in recent meetings, winning their last five encounters against Paraguay and remaining unbeaten in their last six matchups. Notably, they defeated Paraguay 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier last November.
Colombia vs. Paraguay: A Clash of Styles
Colombia boasts a strong, attacking force with an impressive unbeaten streak. Paraguay, on the other hand, is expected to be defensively solid and aim to exploit opportunities on the counter. This clash promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams with contrasting approaches.
Prediction
While Paraguay shouldn’t be completely written off, Colombia’s current form and historical dominance over their opponents make them clear favorites to start their Copa America campaign with a victory.