Copa América: Lerma guides 10-man Colombia past Uruguay

Colombia defeated Uruguay 1-0 in the Copa América semi-final on Thursday despite playing with ten men at half-time.

Jefferson Lerma headed in the decisive goal in the match against reigning champions Argentina.

Uruguay’s Darwin Núñez missed several chances in the first half and Colombia paid the price in the 39th minute when Lerma rose above the defence to head a corner from James Rodríguez past goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.

Colombia were reduced to ten men just before half-time when Daniel Muñoz lost his cool and was sent off. The right-back was shown his second yellow card for elbowing Manuel Ugarte on the chest.

Uruguay dominated possession in the second half and veteran striker Luis Suárez, coming on as a substitute, nearly equalised when he hit the post. But Colombia held on bravely for a famous victory and will face Argentina in the final on Sunday.

Uruguay will play Canada the day before in the play-offs for third place. At the end of the match, their players got into a fight with some Colombian fans.