Chaotic scenes ensued as ticketless Colombian fans tried to enter the stadium by breaching the security for the Copa America 2024 Final against Argentina at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida's Miami Gardens on Monday, July 15.
Argentina successfully defended their Copa America triumph with a 1-0 win over Colombia. Lautaro Martinez's late goal in extra time helped Argentina take a 1-0 lead over Colombia and continued to maintain the lead until the final whistle blew. The final went into extra after the regular 90 minutes of regular play witnessed the score deadlocked at 0-0
However, the title clash between Argentina and Colombia was delayed by 75 minutes as the fans were rushing to the gates and many were trying to enter without their tickets. The rush led to chaotic scenes outside as Colombian fans breached the security to enter the stadium.
In a video that went viral on social media, Colombian fans were seen breaking the barriers, climbing through the fence and getting into ventilation system in order to gain unauthorized access to the stadium.
However, Colombian fans' excitement were shortlived as their team lost to Argentina in a thrilling final. Colombia qualified for the Copa America Final for the first time after finishing third in 1987, 1993, 1995, 2016 and 2021 in the tournament's history. However, James Rodriguez-led side failed to get hold of the coveted trophy after a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Argentina, who clinced a record 16th Copa America triumph.
Colombia would be disappointed to have not culminated their unbeaten run into winning their maiden Copa America title. Colombia topped the group stage with 2 wins and a draw in Group D and qualified for the quarterfinal, where they defeated Panama 5-0. In the semifinal, James Rodriguez-led side defeated former champions Uruguay in 1-0.
James Rodriguez wins Player of the Tournament
Despite Colombia's Copa America Final defeat, James Rodriguez has been adjudged Player Of The Tournament award for his performance in the tournament. Rodriguez will boast of being the first captain to lead Colombia to the Copa America Final in the history of the tournament.
Rodriguez netted only one goal and provided six assists throughput the tournament. The number of assists by Colombia captain is record in the Copa America history. His goal came in Colombia's 5-0 win over Panama in the quarterfinals.
In the semifinal, Rodriguez assisted Jefferson Lerma to score lone Colombia's goal against Uruguay, which helped them seal berth for the title clash against Argentina.
