Before Copa final, Colombia coach unexpectedly criticized Shakira

According to the announcement from the Organizing Committee, the Copa America 2024 final will have a 25-minute break in the middle of the match because of Shakira’s performance, and this made the Colombian coach unhappy.

“I hope you enjoy the show, Shakira is fantastic,” Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said at a press conference ahead of the 2024 Copa America final. His team will face defending champions Argentina, and there will be longer half-time than expected because of the show.

The coach continued: “Because the final has rules that apply to both teams, the pitch conditions and the weather, I can’t say whether it’s good or bad. I just don’t understand the rules, they should apply to everyone.

If we came on at 16 minutes (there was 15 minutes of injury time), we would have been penalised. But for the sake of the show, we came on at 20 minutes. The players may be cold but it is difficult for both teams.”

Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo complains to the Organizing Committee

The strategist born in 1966 also cited the group stage, when coaches were suspended from directing one match if their team arrived late on the match day. Along with that was a fine of 15 thousand dollars.

In addition to the Shakira halftime performance, CONMEBOL also decided to bring back extra time in the final. In the quarter-finals and semi-finals, if the two teams are tied after 90 minutes, they will immediately go to penalty kicks.

Coach Nestor Lorenzo will have a memorable match when he leads the Colombian national team to face his home team Argentina. This match will take place at 7:00 am on July 15 (Vietnam time) at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, USA.