Dominican Republic (AP) Soccer: Colombia secured their place in the Copa America final on Monday with a narrow 1-0 victory over a spirited Uruguay side. It’s a game that was won by Los Cafeteros in the 39th minute through Jefferson Lerma after James Rodriguez made a perfect pass to him.

The triumph means Colombia returns to the Copa America title match, which last played in 2001 and came out as a winner. The win was achieved despite the Colombian side being reduced to ten men after Daniel Munoz received his second yellow card in the first half of the match.

Uruguay, eyeing their 16th Copa America, started aggressively and could have opened the scoring in the first few minutes. However, the Colombian team survived the pressure and took the lead just before the first half ended. This move was instigated by Rodriguez, who played a brilliant through ball to Lerma to put the ball into the back of the net calmly.

Although Uruguay had the advantage of starting the match with an extra man, they could not find a way past a determined and well-organized Colombian backline. Suárez brought in the second half, and Darwin Núñez worked for La Celeste, but the Colombian side did not surrender and won a tough match.

The win means Colombia will face Argentina in a highly anticipated final. The Albiceleste qualified for the tournament after beating Canada and will seek their fourth consecutive Copa America triumph. It remains a clash of titans well entrenched in South American football history, with both sides eager to carve their place in the tournament.