Copa America: Colombia defeats Paraguay 2-1

Houston: Colombia defeated Paraguay 2-1 in their Copa America Group D game on Monday thanks to goals from Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma in the first half.

At NRG Stadium, Munoz gave the Cafeteros the lead in the 24th minute when he took advantage of lax defence to head in at the far post following a cross from James Rodriguez on the left flank.

Lerma doubled the advantage as he nodded home on the stroke of halftime following another Rodriguez delivery from a set piece, reports Xinhua.

The Guaranies were happy to cede possession for large periods as they defended with a low line and sought to hit Colombia on the counterattack.

They reduced the deficit in the 69th minute courtesy of Brighton forward Julio Enciso, who poked home a close-range volley following Ramon Sosa's cross.

But the Cafeteros held on to secure their ninth consecutive victory and extend their unbeaten run under manager Nestor Lorenzo to 21 matches.

"I'm happy to be able to help the team whether that be defending or scoring goals," Crystal Palace midfielder Lerma told reporters after the match.

"We knew that Paraguay would be a difficult test and it proved to be the case. But it's important to know how to suffer and still get three points, which we were able to do."

Colombia will meet Costa Rica in their next match in Phoenix on Friday while Paraguay will face Brazil in Las Vegas the same day.

With inputs from IANS