The second Copa América semi-final pits arguably the two most rousing teams at this tournament against each other.
By James Nalton
Uruguay scored nine goals in the group stage, and Colombia scored five in their quarter-final against Panama alone. We’ll gloss over Uruguay’s quarter-final against Brazil and hope the… let’s say different kind of entertainment in that game, was an aberration.
Uruguay are coached by Marcelo Bielsa and have Darwin Núñez leading the line. This can lead to some entertaining unpredictability and bursts of all-out attacking play, and they’re not afraid to go long to the bustling striker.
The directness of Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri has also stood out in this regard.
At the same time, Bielsa’s side have one of the best defensive records in the tournament so far. The one goal they did concede was a 95th-minute consolation strike scored by Panama’s Michael Amir Murillo.
Watch this Uruguay team and wonder why midfielder Nicolás de la Cruz has never played in Europe, then see his collection of trophies won with River Plate and consider he might not have needed to.
The impressive Venezuelans were the highest-rated team at this tournament, but Uruguay aren’t far behind them.
Colombia aren’t bad, either.
If you hadn’t watched any of the Copa América so far and were reading a preview of a Colombia knockout game exclaiming James Rodríguez the star of the show, you might think the article is from ten years ago. But this is happening here and now, and it is to be savoured.
This isn’t just some nostalgia trip, or a manager playing a player in their thirties because they feel they have to.
Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo is utilising James in such a way that it has led to the most productive tournament from the attacking playmaker since he starred in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
James leads the way for assists in this tournament with five, goals plus assists combined (6), chances created (15), and has the highest FotMob rating of any player at this Copa so far.
Only Lionel Messi has a higher expected assists score, both in total and per 90 minutes, and if James’s stats were attached to Messi, the Argentine would be receiving tremendous plaudits.
There’s a focus from James to go with his world-class technique which is especially apparent at set pieces. This, combined with the quicker, direct, tricky players such as winger Luis Díaz and midfielder Richard Ríos, has formed an attacking unit for Colombia that can be unstoppable.
Both Díaz and Ríos are among the top dribblers at this tournament, while in defence, right back Daniel Muñoz of Crystal Palace has also stood out.
Both these teams have been well supported at this tournament, so on and off the pitch this promises to be a passionate semifinal match in Charlotte.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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