da luck： Soccer took a backseat to a melee in the stands, unfortunately for victors Colombia.

da dobrowin： “They made an avalanche on our entire family, this is a disaster. We had to stand up for our loved ones”

Those were the pleas of defender Jose Maria Gimenez postgame, who witnessed family members of La Celeste, Uruguay players themselves, Colombia fans and organizers scuffle in the stands for more than 10 minutes.

Moments after Colombia closed out a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in the Copa America semifinals in Miami, it all went to chaos. An altercation broke out in the stands that included striker Darwin Nunez, defender Ronald Araujo and others clashing with fans.

Video replays showed that punches were thrown, objects were tossed and people were struck. It was a dangerous and unsettling scene. And one that marred what has been a damn good game.

Colombia showed an incredible amount of heart while down a man, outlasting Uruguay to earn that 1-0 win that sent them to the Copa America final. But what happened post-match certainly dampened what happened during the game.

Nunez, Araujo and a several other players could face ramifications, especially after a brawl that seemed to snowball. A video showed Núñez hitting a fan in Colombia team colors, and according to the Associated Press, it took more than 10 minutes for police to restore order. The public address announcer asked for fans to leave the stadium, but several supporters remained.

About 100 Uruguayan fans and members of the federation staff remained on the field more than 20 minutes after the game, while Colombia fans made their way out to celebrate.

CONMEBOL released a statement after the game saying that it strongly condemns any act of violence that affects the game.

“Our work is based on the conviction that soccer connects and unites us through its positive values,” the organization said. “There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field. We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all of their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party.”

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa told reporters after the match that he was unaware of the incident, initially.

"I thought that the incident ended with some argument on the midfield and when I saw that happening I went to the locker room," he said. "I thought that they were thanking the fans for their support. But then I learned that there were some problems over there unfortunately."

Eventually, the focus will return to soccer, and the upcoming clash between Colombia and Argentina with a trophy on the line. Maybe that match will be good enough to establish itself as the defining moment of this tournament, but perhaps not. That unfortunately will probably be Wednesday night's melee.

It wasn't supposed to be that way, and it didn't have to be. It was a sad night after what had been generally entertaining Copa America.

GOAL takes a look at the winners and losers from Wednesday night, on and off the pitch.

Getty ImagesLOSER: Just about everyone

For Uruguay players, under no circumstances can you enter the stands. Nothing good happens the moment that line is crossed. It got ugly quickly, with both Nunez and Araujo, two of this team's most prominent players, seen entangled with fans.

Meanwhile, after the match, several Uruguay players claimed that the brawl started when celebrating Colombia fans began altercations with their friends and family.

Defender Jose Maria Gimenez claimed that security did not come to their aid when they needed them, saying "This is a disaster, our families are in danger. Not one single policeman."

There has to be questions, as well, for security and organizers. It simply cannot take more than 10 minutes to restore order, especially as it escalated into the stands.

It was an ugly end to what had felt like a celebratory night. Prior to the brawl, there was a really fun game of soccer played. Consequences are sure to be coming, and they won't be pretty.

AdvertisementGettyWINNER: James Rodriguez

The 2014 World Cup's darling is the 2024 Copa America's best player. Who could have seen this coming?

Rodriguez can't stop shining for Colombia, and it was the former Real Madrid man who was the hero on Wednesday night. He provided his sixth assist of the tournament on Lerma's goal. No one else in this tournament has more than two.

It's not fair to say he's single-handedly carrying this team because Colombia has plenty of difference-makers. It is fair to say that Rodriguez is the biggest reason Colombia is here. His presence as the No. 10 takes this team from good to great.

Because of Rodriguez, Colombia have a chance, and that might even be true of Sunday's finale against mighty Argentina.

GettyLOSER: Daniel Munoz

Just so, so, so undisciplined.

Moments after seeing his side take the lead, Munoz put Colombia's backs against the wall. His split-second decision to throw an elbow earned him a second yellow card of the first half, and we all know what two yellow cards equal.

Not all yellow cards are created equal. Some are necessary tactically. This was anything by that. This was a player being frustrated in a moment where he simply couldn't be.

Munoz was playing well leading up to his dismissal. he was arguably one of the better players on the field. Now, he'll miss the finale. Inexcusable.

Getty ImagesWINNER: Jefferson Lerma

The 29-year-old defensive midfielder doesn't score many goals. In fact, prior to this tournament, he'd scored just one. He now has two just in this Copa America, though, but this was obviously the most important.

Lerma's thumping header of Rodriguez's cross was all Colombia needed to advance to Sunday's finale. Rodriguez will get most of the credit, but give Lerma his props, too. He took his chance wonderfully, and his team essentially won because of it.

Colombia also won because of all the work Lerma did aside from that moment, too. With his side forced to defend intently for the final 45 minutes, Lerma's presence in midfield was vital. Lerma battled all over the field and was the only non-defender to go all 90 for Colombia.

What a performance from the Crystal Palace man, who did quite literally everything his team could have asked him to do.