Nestor Lorenzo hailed Colombia’s spirit after they survived Daniel Munoz’s pink card to beat Uruguay on the Copa America, saying overcoming Marcelo Bielsa made the victory extra particular.
Colombia will face Argentina of their third Copa America remaining (additionally 1975 and 2001) after Jefferson Lerma’s first-half header downed Uruguay in Wednesday’s semi-final.
Lorenzo’s staff clung on regardless of enjoying the second half with 10 males, with Munoz despatched off for a second bookable offence on the stroke of half-time.
Bielsa blamed himself for Uruguay’s defeat in his post-match press convention, however Lorenzo paid tribute to the previous Leeds United boss when assessing Colombia’s victory.
“I believe that to beat Bielsa, you should stroll many miles,” Lorenzo informed reporters.
“He’s a referent coach and I actually admire him as an individual. It was our flip to win, that’s all.”
Uruguay had 73% of the possession after Colombia scored within the thirty ninth minute, however Lorenzo’s staff managed seven pictures to their opponents’ six throughout that interval.
Lorenzo opted in opposition to sacrificing an attacker after Munoz’s sending-off, and he was delighted to see that call repay.
“One of many principal matters we talk about is that we by no means need to be one man down. It’s unattainable to keep up efficiency with 10 gamers on the pitch,” Lorenzo added.
“Groups that had been dominating their opponents once they had been one man down had been eradicated from the event. We actually analysed that state of affairs.
“With the formation, we solely had choices of 5-4, 5-3-1 or to maintain it 4-3-2 and create alternatives. We selected that one and God favoured us.
“A few of their alternatives didn’t go in, however we additionally missed some and we made it.
“Daniel is feeling a bit unhappy. He’s a lion on the pitch and as soon as extra he acquired a bit emotional. I hugged him and I informed him that with out him we wouldn’t be the place we’re, so he has to carry his head up excessive.”