Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Colombia boss criticizes Shakira halftime show

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Saturday, 13 July 2024 17:15

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo criticized CONMEBOL's decision to extend the 2024 Copa América final halftime from a traditional 15 minutes to 25 minutes in order to accommodate a performance from Colombian pop star Shakira.

"I hope you enjoy, Shakira is great," he said in his news conference ahead of Sunday's final with Argentina at Hard Rock Stadium. "For a final, when the rules change for both teams, bad pitches for both or same weather for both, then I can't say if its bad or if it favors one side.

"I can't understand it, I wish it were like the rest. When we came out in the 16th minute we were sanctioned, but now that there is a show we can come out in the 20th-minute mark. Players can get cold, but it's on both sides. I found out today that this is how it is, and that's it."

The coach referenced the group-stage incidents that saw managers Lionel Scaloni (Argentina), Ricardo Gareca (Chile), Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay) and Fernando Batista (Venezuela) suspended for one match after each team arrived late to the field of play. The country's football federations were additionally fined $15,000 each.

As well as the change in halftime, CONMEBOL also chose to reintroduce extra time to the final. During the quarterfinal and semifinal stages, a regular-time tie resulted in an automatic penalty shootout but the final will see an additional 30 minutes played before reaching penalties.

Regardless of the newly implemented rules, Lorenzo insists Colombia is ready to compete and see James Rodríguez thrive against the reigning Copa América champions.

"He's done a great Copa América, we are lucky that he is good and taken leadership of the team," he said. "And that the team has supported him and taken him to this game, where we want to be. He's been one of the best, I don't know if the best but one of. And I hope tomorrow he gives off a good performance."

Rodríguez enters the final with one goal and six assists, surpassing Lionel Messi's record (five in 2021) for the most goal assists in one edition of the competition since records began in 2011. "We know the left foot that James has, we know its one of the best," said Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez of the Colombian figure.

While Argentina is looking to win a third-straight major tournament, having also won the World Cup in 2022, Colombia is seeking to lift just its second Copa América crown and first since 2001.

Read 69 times

Soccer

Mexico coach hit in head by beer can in Honduras

Mexico coach hit in head by beer can in Honduras

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsA full can of beer thrown from the stands struck Mexico coach Javie...

Lyon handed provisional relegation, transfer ban

Lyon handed provisional relegation, transfer ban

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLyon have been banned from making any transfers in the January tran...

Palma brace lifts Honduras over Mexico in NL

Palma brace lifts Honduras over Mexico in NL

A brace from Luis Palma on Friday carried Honduras to a 2-0 Concacaf Nations League victory over Mex...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Jenkins talks NBA 'code' after no-call on Draymond

Jenkins talks NBA 'code' after no-call on Draymond

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN FRANCISCO -- Once again, the "code" word has come up in a game...

Fox scores franchise-best 60 but Kings lose in OT

Fox scores franchise-best 60 but Kings lose in OT

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSACRAMENTO, Calif. -- When De'Aaron Fox saw that he had 48 points i...

Baseball

Ex-Reds manager Bell joins Blue Jays' front office

Ex-Reds manager Bell joins Blue Jays' front office

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays hired former Cincinnati Reds manag...

Ferrara, who won 2 titles with Dodgers, dies at 84

Ferrara, who won 2 titles with Dodgers, dies at 84

EmailPrintFormer outfielder Al "The Bull" Ferrara died Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced. He...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated