Two of South America's powerhouse teams will face off in the 2024 Copa America semifinals.
High-flying Colombia take on small but mighty Uruguay on Wednesday, July 10 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. It's the latest meeting between these two sides always fighting for a place at the big kids' table with Brazil and Argentina these days, and a chance for them to compete for a place in the Copa America final with a win.
Colombia are riding a 27-match unbeaten streak dating back to 2022, and Los Cafeteros have taken care of business at this tournament in the United States. Nestor Lorenzo's side beat Paraguay and Costa Rica before holding Brazil in an exciting scoreless draw in the group-stage finale. Then, Colombia dominated Panama 5-0 to earn a place in the semifinals.
Uruguay, on the other hand, have had to fight and scrap in the last two matches after comfortably steamrolling Panama and Bolivia in their group. A 1-0 win over the USA was comfortable but tight, before a scoreless draw with Brazil ended with Uruguay prevailing 4-2 on penalty kicks.
With Colombia having plenty of speed up top in Luis Diaz and Uruguay susceptible to the counter-attack, we'll see how they handle the high press and pressure attack of Marcelo Bielsa's team.
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Uruguay vs. Colombia head to head record, history, results
Uruguay boast the better head-to-head record between these nations, with 20 wins compared to Colombia's 14.
| Colombia wins | Draws | Uruguay wins |
| 14 | 11 | 20 |
La Celeste own the rivalry dating back to 1945, winning nearly half 45 total matches. However, things have been much more even in recent years. Since September 2012, Uruguay have managed three wins, Colombia have three wins, and there have been four draws.
The last time these two teams met was in World Cup qualifying, when Uruguay secured a last-minute 2-2 draw in Barranquilla. Los Cafeteros were in control and took a 2-1 lead through Mateus Uribe early in the second half, but a stoppage-time penalty kick from Darwin Nunez helped Bielsa's side pick up a huge road point.
The last time Colombia beat Uruguay in normal time, it was on the world's biggest stage. Playing at the world famous Maracana in Rio de Janeiro during the 2014 World Cup, Colombia beat Uruguay 2-0 to stay alive in the tournament.
Uruguay vs. Colombia past games at major tournaments
This will be the 13th meeting between Colombia and Uruguay at Copa America,
Last time out, they played to a scoreless draw in Brasilia, Brazil, and Colombia came out on top 4-2 on penalty kicks.
At the 2014 World Cup, Colombia topped Uruguay 2-0, with James Rodriguez scoring a brilliant brace. His performances at this tournament in Brazil helped earn him a transfer to Real Madrid as he truly announced himself to a global audience.
The first time these two nations met in a major tournament was on January 28, 1945, when Uruguay won 7-0 in the Copa America in Chile. Atilio Garcia and Jose Garcia each had a brace for La Celeste during the match.