First-half goals from Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma saw Colombia extend their unbeaten run to 24 matches
Michael Dominski
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Copa America result – Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
- 32': Fantastic James Rodriguez cross headed home by Daniel Muñoz
- 42': Another Rodriguez cross is headed home by Jefferson Lerma
- 69': Julio Enciso scores to cut Colombia's lead in half
- Brazil vs Costa Rica is coming up next
Group D outlook
With Group D's opening match in the books, let's take a look at the remaining fixtures.
Brazil vs Costa Rica in Inglewood, California kicks off at the top of this hour – you can follow our live coverage of that match here.
Friday June 28
- Colombia v Costa Rica in Glendale, Arizona
- Paraguay vs Brazil in Las Vegas, Nevada
Tuesday July 2
- Brazil vs Colombia in Santa Clara, California
- Costa Rica vs Paraguay in Austin, Texas
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Colombia extend streaks
Colombia have now beaten Paraguay three straight times at Copa America, matching the longest winning run they've ever had against that opponent in the tournament.
Colombia have also won their opening game at four straight Copa America tournaments, their longest such streak since 1983 to 1993.
Match stats
Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
- Expected goals: 0.63 - 0.83
- Shots: 11 - 12
- Shots on goal: 3 - 3
- Saves: 2 - 1
- Possession: 68% - 32%
- Corners: 3 - 3
- Offsides: 1 - 2
- Fouls: 10 - 18
- Yellow cards: 1 - 2
Colombia look like the real deal
Nine wins on the bounce for Colombia, and 24 matches since their last defeat. Despite a nervier-than-expected closing 20 minutes, they look as dynamic and as fired-up as their amazing run of form suggests.
FT: Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
One last half-chance for Paraguay but their final shot is closer to clearing the stadium roof than it is to troubling Colombia's goalkeeper.
The referee whistles for full time shortly thereafter and Colombia have held on to take all three points!
Press box fun
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90+5' Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
Well, it's been real. Colombia's fans popped some smoke bombs and the fire alarm in the press box is now going off.
Looks like we'll be ushered out of here shortly.
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Paraguay manager booked
90+4' Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
Paraguay manager Daniel Garnero is upset about something and makes his feelings quite clear, earning himself a yellow card.
Rodriguez, Enciso come off
90+2' Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
Colombia make their final subs as James Rodríguez, assister of both of their goals, comes off to a great ovation alongside Jhon Arias. Juan Fernando Quintero and Kevin Castaño come on in their place.
Paraguay make their final sub as well, surprisingly taking off Julio Enciso. Matías Rojas comes on in his stead.
SIX minutes added on
90+1' Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
Six minutes for Paraguay to find a goal.
No penalty!
88' Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
After reviewing the play at the monitor, the referee announces to the largely pro-Colombia crowd that the penalty is disallowed!
Paraguay still have a chance to steal a result here.
PENALTY to Colombia!
84' Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
The referee spots Velazquez pulling on Mina, preventing him from winning a header at the back post, and points to the spot for a penalty without hesitation!
The Paraguay players surround him, they are livid. VAR is reviewing the call.
Worth noting that Velazquez has already been booked.
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Colombia supporters showed out
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82' Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
Attendance is 67,059 tonight, about 12,000 more than were here for Mexico vs Jamaica on Saturday. That's on a Monday afternoon, at 5PM, in 100-degree heat. Truly a huge number, all credit to the Colombian faithful.
Double change for Paraguay
80' Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
Paraguay make another double sub, bringing Adam Bareiro and Ángel Romero on in place of Alex Arce and Mathías Villasanti.
Cubas booked
78' Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
Cubas catches Rios on the knee with a reckless high boot and is promptly shown a yellow card. Rios is in some pain, cameras showing blood coming from a cut on his knee.
Rodriguez goes for goal this time
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77' Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
Rodriguez goes for goal this time, shooting around a defender but dragging the ball wide of the far post.
He vehemently tells the referee a corner should be given but a goal kick is the call.
Rodriguez wanted a third assist
75' Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
Rodriguez is too unselfish! Colombia break forward, Arias releasing Rodriguez on the left side, but the former Real Madrid man attempts to cut the ball back for a teammate instead of going for goal himself. He had a clear view of the near side of the goal but instead his pass is cut out by Balbuena.
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Paraguay looking to overturn 77 years of history
72' Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
"The last time Paraguay came back from a two-goal deficit at Copa America?" I hear some of you asking now.
Well, the answer is 1947, when they beat Uruguay 4-2 after trailing 2-0.
GOAL: Paraguay score to halve deficit!
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69' Colombia 2-1 Paraguay
Enciso, who has been Paraguay's best player all day, slots home a cross at the back post and Paraguay are back in this!
Double change for Colombia
68' Colombia 2-0 Paraguay
Jefferson Lerma, who scored a goal and picked up a booking in the first half, comes off along with Rafael Borré, while Mateus Uribe and Jhon Córdoba come on.
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