Colombia World Cup parties leave 34 injured

Uruguay’s Cristian Rodriguez, left, and Colombia’s Abel Aguilar go for a header during their World Cup round of 16 soccer match at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, June 28, 2014. AP

BOGOTA – After Colombia’s thrilling World Cup win Saturday over Uruguay – the first time it came so far in the soccer tournament – 34 people were hurt in celebrations.

When Colombia beat Greece on June 14, police reported nine people dead, 150 vehicle accidents and 3,000 fights.

“Amid the celebrations (over the win in the match against Uruguay), authorities handled 3,261 violent incidents nationwide. There were 34 injuries,” police said in a statement.

The violence took place despite Colombia’s ban on alcohol sales and increased policing during the matches.

In the next game, Colombia – which had not classified for a World Cup tournament in 16 years and reaches the quarter finals for the first time – will face powerhouse Brazil on July 4.