Despite being an underdog against Argentina in Sunday's Copa América final, Colombia has an impressive unbeaten streak and a determined squad that could pose a significant challenge to Lionel Messi's team.
Colombia's improbable journey to the Copa América final has been marked by an unwavering determination and an impressive unbeaten streak that now stands at 28 matches, a record in the history of Colombian men's soccer.
Despite fielding a team that on paper may not match the star-studded Argentina, Colombia has consistently outperformed expectations with a combination of talent and unwavering spirit.
Colombia's Unbeaten Streak Fuels Underdog Hopes Against Argentina in Copa América Final
Against Uruguay in the semifinal, Colombia played with 10 men for much of the match after Daniel Muñoz's red card, but they managed to secure a 1-0 victory. Liverpool winger Luis Díaz and former Real Madrid midfielder James Rodríguez, who has six assists in the tournament, are the team's most recognizable faces, but it is the collective mentality that has driven Colombia's success.
"The amount of passion and sweat [from] these young players, a man down this entire half … defending with all their lives, but still going at it," said Melissa Ortiz, co-host of "FOX Soccer NOW" and former Colombia women's national team player. "They didn't sit back. They didn't park the bus."
Colombia's tenacity has made them a formidable opponent, even against the likes of world No. 1 Argentina. Despite being ranked far below their opponents, Colombia's unity and belief in their abilities give them a fighting chance.
"There were a lot of questions [from Colombian fans and media] on the player selection before Copa América," Ortiz said. "But what they've done — not only in Copa América but 28 matches unbeaten, and not just against … little teams, but against tier one teams, world-class teams that they've beaten and knocked off. This is insanely impressive."
Rodríguez, who is enjoying his best form since his breakout 2014 World Cup, will be crucial to Colombia's hopes of upsetting Argentina. His set-piece ability and his teammates' prowess at converting his crosses into goals have been a key component of Colombia's success.
"When your set piece taker [Rodríguez] is the assist leader, that's just incredible," Ortiz said. "On top of that, you have players that are good at scoring those [passes] and putting those in the back of the net. … Set pieces are a big part of Colombia's success, but there are other components of their success, too, whether it's in the run of play, in the build-up or in the attack."
Despite the absence of Muñoz and the potential absence of Richard Rios due to injury, Colombia's determination to make history remains undeterred.
"I am so incredibly in awe [and] proud," Ortiz said. "Colombia as a country has been waiting for this exact moment, for the men's team to impress."
Sunday's final against Argentina promises to be a captivating clash between a legendary team and an underdog that has defied expectations. Colombia's unbeaten streak and unwavering spirit make them a formidable opponent, and they could very well spoil Argentina's hopes of a third consecutive major tournament win.
