The game’s solitary goal came on the half hour mark as Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez’s clever chip found Santiago Arias, who headed across goal for Bacca to fire home.

Despite both sides having already missed out on the main prize following their respective semi-final defeats to Argentina and Chile, the contest was still a feisty affair as the two teams were reduced to ten men late in the second half.

Arias, who had been one of the main architects of Colombia’s well-worked opener, brushed heads with Michael Orozco and both men were given their marching orders after the American defender retaliated.

The result saw Colombia earn their highest finish at the Copa América since 2001, while the US also matched their best performance at the tournament with fourth.

Following a drab opening half, with Bacca’s goal the only real moment of quality, the match sparked into life after the restart.

Clint Dempsey was unfortunate to see his free-kick clawed away by David Ospina, before both teams struck the woodwork as Juan Cuadrado’s chipped came back off the bar while Bobby Wood’s effort crashed against the upright.

The US then pressed forward in search of an equaliser but they weren’t able to draw level as Colombia held on for victory.

Ahead of tomorrow’s final between Argentina and Chile, South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) President Alejandro Dominguez revealed the winner of the match could face the team which lifts the UEFA European Championship title in France.

The contest could take place later this year, according to Dominguez, but he has not yet received a reply to his challenge from UEFA.

Dominguez also hailed the success of the special edition of the Copa América tournament, held to mark 100 years since the first competition was held in 1916.

“We were able to bring whole continents together," he said.

"Fair play, good games, an average of almost three goals per match, very good behaviour by the public ... integrating cultures for people to live together and respect diversity.”