Argentina beat Colombia

Argentina beat Colombia 5-4 on penalties to reach Copa America semi-finals

Carlos Tevez scored the decisive penalty with Argentina’s seventh spot-kick after Lucas Biglia and Marcos Rojo both missed opportunities to claim victory on Friday.

It was no less than Argentina deserved after they dominated throughout the 90 minutes, with only a massive display from Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina ensuring the quarter-final in Vina del Mar needed a shootout.

The Arsenal gloveman’s biggest moment was an amazing double save in the 26th minute when he denied Sergio Aguero with his foot before scrambling to palm Lionel Messi’s follow-up header around the post, with both shots coming from inside the six-yard box.

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman made four changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Peru in their final group encounter, with his decision to drop misfiring striker Radamel Falcao the standout.

Jackson Martinez was promoted to lead the line, while Victor Ibarbo, Alexander Mejia and Camilo Zuniga were also included as Pekerman switched from a 4-2-2-2 to a 4-1-3-2 formation.

That decision did not work, however, and Pekerman made a change midway through the first half with forward Teofilo Gutierrez sacrificed in favour of midfielder Edwin Cardona as Argentina ran riot, although it made little difference as Colombia finished the first half without a shot on goal.

As the second half wore on, Colombia began to gain a foothold in the contest but struggled to test Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero, while Ospina kept a clean sheet at the other end.

Romero made just one save throughout the 90 minutes but was impressive in the shootout before Tevez – who was confirmed as a Boca Juniors player during the game – sent Argentina into the last four.

By Taiwo Oyedeji