Copa America 2024 Group Stage
25 June, 2024 - Indian Date
NRG Stadium
MATCH TIMES
India
03:30 AM
UAE
02:00 AM
Saudi Arabia
1:00 AM
FULL TIME
Colombia possible starting lineup: Ospina; S. Arias, Mina, Cuesta, Machado; Uribe, Lerma; J. Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba
Paraguay possible starting lineup: Coronel; Velazquez, Balbuena, Gomez, Alonso; Villasanti, Cubas, Almiron; Sosa, Bareiro, Enciso
Colombia, one of the pre-tournament favorites, kicks off their 2024 Copa America campaign against Paraguay on Monday at NRG Stadium in Houston. Los Cafeteros enter the tournament with a remarkable 23-match unbeaten streak, having last lost to Argentina in February 2022. Under Nestor Lorenzo, Colombia has won eight consecutive matches, outscoring their opponents 12-3 this year and never trailing in any game.
Colombia's impressive form includes a recent 3-0 win over Bolivia, highlighting their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. They have shown resilience, winning their last three matches even after conceding the first goal. Historically, Colombia has performed well in their opening Copa America matches, winning their first game in the last three editions, including a 2-0 victory over the USA in 2016 and a 1-0 win over Paraguay in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Paraguay, on the other hand, is coming off a 1-0 win over Panama, their first victory of 2024, which ended a four-match winless streak where they failed to score. Managed by Daniel Garnero, Paraguay's strength lies in their defensive organization, having conceded one goal or fewer in nine of their last ten games. However, their recent record against Colombia is less encouraging, with no wins in their last four meetings and their last Copa America victory over Colombia dating back to 2007.
Key players for Colombia include James Rodriguez, who recently earned his 100th cap, and Liverpool's Luis Diaz, who is set to reach 50 caps and has been in fine scoring form. For Paraguay, captain Gustavo Gomez is on the verge of his 75th cap, while Derlis Gonzalez and Fabian Balbuena also bring significant experience to the squad.
With both teams aiming to start their Copa America campaign on a high note, Colombia's current form and historical performance in opening matches position them as favorites against a defensively strong but goal-shy Paraguay side.