Colombia, Uruguay clash in Copa semi-final with records in sight

Both countries will be chasing their own slice of history in the semi-final

Jul 2, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez (10) gestures after a goal by defender Daniel Munoz (21) against Brazil during the first half at Levi's Stadium. Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters

Uruguay and Colombia will be chasing their own slice of history when they meet in Wednesday's Copa America semi-final in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Colombia enter the semi-final having avoided defeat in 27 consecutive games, matching their all-time unbeaten streak.

Uruguay are aiming to clinch an unprecedented 16th Copa America title, currently sharing the record of 15 titles with Argentina, who face Canada in the other semi-final.

Uruguay advanced to the semis with a penalty shootout win over Brazil. They committed a tournament-high 26 fouls and received a red card for Nahitan Nandez's foul on Rodrygo but also created better opportunities than Brazil.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa was adamant that his side would not compromise their attacking style.

"Football is a competition and we are always trying to impose what we do best and our opponent will do the exact same thing," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"If we didn't try to impose what we do best, we would actually be undermining our own chances."

Nandez will serve a one-match suspension while defender Ronald Araujo will miss the remainder of the tournament due to a leg injury sustained in the quarter-final.

Colombia, fresh from a 5-0 quarter-final victory over Panama, are looking to reach their first Copa final in 23 years.

They played their last final in 2001, beating Mexico to win their only Copa America title.

The Colombian side, managed by Nestor Lorenzo, have seen eight different players find the back of the net in the tournament so far.

Veteran James Rodriguez has been outstanding, matching Lionel Messi's record for the most assists (five) in one tournament since the stat was first recorded in 2011.

Lorenzo said the match between Colombia and Uruguay was worthy of a final.

"They are not passive. They go out for a win," Lorenzo told reporters, speaking through an interpreter. "And I'm sure we're going to have a good show on Wednesday."

The final takes place on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Florida.