Colombia and Paraguay will make their first appearance in Copa America 2024 at NRG Stadium in Houston, in a match belonging to Group D, which they share with Brazil and Costa Rica.
Colombia will try to replicate their performance that led them to win Copa America in 2001, the only time they have won this tournament. They reached the semifinals three more times, in 2004, 2016, and 2021, but were eliminated twice by Argentina and once by Chile. Alongside Brazil, they are the favorites to advance to the knockout stage.
On the other hand, Paraguay also knows what it’s like to be Copa America champion, having won it twice, in the 1953 and 1979 editions. Their most recent notable performance was in 2011 when they reached the final against Uruguay but were defeated 3-0.
Colombia’s lineup
This will be Nestor Lorenzo’s team to face Paraguay in the first match:
Vargas; Muñoz, Lucumi, Sanchez, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Arias, James Rodriguez, Luis Díaz; Santos Borré.
Paraguay’s possible lineup
This will be Daniel Garnero’s team against Colombia for the first match:
Morínigo; Velázquez, Balbuena, Alderete, Espinoza; Villasanti, Caballero, Cubas; Almiron, Arce, Enciso.
