In the first game of the Copa America, Colombia beat Paraguay 2-1 on Monday night. Daniel Muñoz scored in the 32nd minute and Jefferson Lerma scored in the 42nd. This was the team’s ninth straight win.

Colombia had 66% of the ball and hasn’t lost in 24 games since Feb. 1, 2022, when they lost 1-0 at Argentina in a World Cup qualifier. They’ve won 19, tied 5, and not lost.

James Rodríguez orchestrated the setup for both of Colombia’s goals in his 101st international game. 67,059 fans came to NRG Stadium to cheer for Colombia.

In the 69th minute, Julio Enciso scored the goal for Paraguay.

Friday, July 1, in Glendale, Arizona, Colombia plays Costa Rica. On July 2, in Santa Clara, California, they play Brazil. Paraguay’s last two games in Group D are on Friday against Brazil in Las Vegas and on July 2 against Costa Rica in Austin, Texas.

They won the title in 2001, but lost to Argentina in the semifinals in 2021 on penalties. While Paraguay won in 1953 and 1979, they were knocked out in the quarterfinals the last two times.

Rodríguez sent a long cross to Muñoz, who easily headed it in from 8 yards out. It was Muñoz’s second goal in 28 international games. Lerma scored with a flicked header from the middle of the penalty area after Rodríguez took a free kick.

Goalkeeper Rodrigo Morínigo, who is 25 years old, made his debut for the national team after Carlos Coronel started in June’s matches against Chile and Panama.

When Ramón Sosa crossed the ball to the far post, Enciso beat Davinson Sánchez to it and turned the ball past Camilo Vargas in goal for Paraguay’s first goal. Referee Dario Herrera of Argentina gave Colombia a penalty kick in the 84th minute because Gustavo Velázquez grabbed Yerry Mina’s shirt in the penalty area. However, the call was overturned after a video review.

FAQ’s

Q1: Where is the Copa America 2024 schedule?

Answer: From June 20, 2024, to July 14, 2024, the event will be held in the United States. It is co-organized by CONCACAF. Every number is correct as of June 23, 2024. The US is holding the tournament for the second time; they did the same thing for the Copa América Centenario in 2016. Argentina has won this tournament before.

Q2: Will USA be invited to 2024 Copa America?

Answer: The 2024 Copa América hosts, the United States, face Bolívia. Will Christian Pulisic and team win a championship on home soil before the 2026 World Cup? Stay in for updates, analysis, and highlights on ESPN.

Q3: Why is Jamaica in Copa America?

Answer: In 2024, both teams qualified for this year’s CONMEBOL Copa América™ by reaching the semi-finals of the Concacaf Nations League. Jamaica would finish in an impressive third place, while Mexico finished in second place behind the United States.

Q4: Who is favored in the Copa America 2024?

Answer: On the futures market, Lionel Messi and Argentina are the odds-on favourites to win the event, with Brazil close behind.

Q5: Will Neymar play in the Copa América 2024?

Answer: Neymar was not on head coach Dorival Júnior’s 26-person roster for the event because he tore his ACL last October while playing for Brazil in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.