Colombia predicted to face Panama: Copa America 2024
The Colombian team is hoping to advance to the semi finals of the Copa America where they will play Panama this weekend at the State Farm Stadium.
Colombia almost lived up to expectations with their performance in Group D, as they topped the group against Brazil, Costa Rica and Paraguay. Nestor Lorenzo's looked like a well-oiled machine that is not willing to slow down at any time as they have managed to play 26 games in a row without losing.
The only change we will see in Lorenzo's 4-3-3 formation is who will replace Crystal Palace midfielder Jefferson Lerma since the 29-year-old picked up his second yellow card in the group stage against Brazil. Lerma will be there for selection if Colombia progress to the semi-finals, but Mateus Uribe looks set to take his place in the starting line-up for now.
Here's how Colombia could face Panama in the Copa America final.
GK: Camilo Vargas – The Atlas stopper will be hoping to keep a clean sheet against a Panamanian side that scored six goals in the group stage.
RB: Daniel Munoz – The Crystal Palace defender could be on the scoresheet again to play his part in Colombia reaching the next round.
CB: Davinson Sanchez – Sanchez has been in good form for Colombia so far and will be key to their chances of taking on Panama.
CB: Carlos Cuesta – The Genk defender is starting the second game in a row with Jhon Lucumi injured.
LB: Johan Mojica – Lorenzo chose to give the veteran defender one last breath but he will need him at the top to progress in the competition.
CM: Richard Rios – Rios keeps his place in the middle of the park, playing just behind Rodriguez.
CM: Mateus Uribe – With Lerma suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, Uribe enters midfield.
CM: John Arias – The midfielder-turned-midfielder will start his fourth game in the competition in the middle of the park.
RW: James Rodriguez – Lorenzo will look to lean on Rodriguez and hope he still has the magic on his left foot to pull off set pieces and create more chances.
ST: John Cordoba – Cordoba is a promising forward and his experience will be key in such a big game.
LW: Luis Diaz – The Liverpool winger will be hoping to add his second goal of the tournament against Panama's strong defence.
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