Colombia opens Copa Group D action by topping Paraguay

Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma scored first-half goals and Colombia stretched its unbeaten streak to 24 matches with a 2-1 victory over Paraguay in Copa America Group D play on Monday night in Houston.

James Rodriguez assisted on both goals as Colombia controlled most of the match, which was the first in pool play for both sides.

Julio Enciso scored Paraguay's goal.

Colombia won its ninth straight match and is 19-0-5 during a streak that began in March 2022. Colombia's last loss was 1-0 to Argentina on Feb. 1, 2022.

Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas made two saves and Paraguay counterpart Rodrigo Morinigo had one.

Munoz gave Colombia the lead in the 32nd minute.

Rodriguez was to the left of the box when he sent a left-footed cross toward the center. Munoz got his head on the ball and propelled a one-hopper to the left of Morinigo and into the net.

Ten-plus minutes later, Colombia struck again off a free kick.

Rodriguez sent a left-footed cross toward the net. Lerma leaped, and his glancing header went to the right of Morinigo for the 2-0 lead.

Paraguay picked up the pace in the second half.

Paraguay had a chance in the 64th minute but Matias Espinoza's right-footed shot was stopped by Vargas.

Five minutes later, Paraguay cut its deficit to one. Ramon Sosa sent a right-footed cross toward the net and a running Enciso got his right leg on the ball to knock it past Vargas.

Colombia had a major opportunity in the 76th minute but Luis Diaz's close-range right-footer was wide into the side netting.

Paraguay was unable to get a strong scoring chance in the seven-plus minutes of second-half stoppage time. Matias Rojas had some room in the seventh minute but elected to boot a shot that was way high over the net.

Paraguay had a 12-11 edge in shots, with both teams putting three on target.

Both nations will be in action again on Friday. Colombia faces Costa Rica in Glendale, Ariz., and Paraguay will oppose Brazil in Las Vegas.

--Field Level Media