Copa America-Brazil show fight vs. Colombia

In Tuesday’s Copa America match, Brazil and Colombia played to a 1-1 draw, with Colombia impressing as the better side. Roared on by their devoted traveling fans, Colombia nearly snatched the win at the end, but Brazil’s Andreas Pereira had a shot from the edge of the area athletically tipped over by keeper Camilo Vargas. The rivalry between these two teams generated plenty of heat, and both nations fielded strong lineups despite their quarterfinal spots being secured. It remains to be seen whether Brazil’s fight will cost them later in the tournament.

However, the draw on Tuesday means that Brazil will play their fiercest rivals, Uruguay, in a thrilling match on Saturday in Las Vegas. Uruguay won Group D and had a perfect record.

The five-time world champions from Brazil, according to goal scorer Raphinha, would not be put off by the chance to meet Uruguay.

"Our team is evolving with each game, with each training session and we think we're on the right track," Raphinha stated.

We were disappointed that the outcome and position didn't align with our expectations and aspirations to advance to the quarterfinals.

"We need to be ready for everyone, so the champion shouldn't be concerned about who they face in the following round.

"If we want to win this competition we have to be prepared to play our best."

Vinicius Jr. is not in

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr., who received his second yellow card of the competition on Tuesday for a careless early foul on James Rodriguez, will not play for Brazil going into the quarterfinals.

With goalkeeper Alisson out of position, Colombian playmaker Rodriguez's subsequent free shot barely missed the top of the bar, raising concerns among Brazil supporters.

Nevertheless, despite Colombia's more seamless start, Brazil struck first after 12 minutes when Raphinha curled an incredible free kick into the top corner to make it 1-0.

But Colombia persisted in posing a threat, as after 16 minutes, Rodriguez volleyed over the crossbar.

Rodriguez thought he had set up Colombia's equaliser three minutes later when he sent a pinpoint cross to Davinson Sánchez, who then fired a free kick into the goal from the right.
After a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Tempers threatened to boil over midway through the first half, with Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela showing three yellow cards in quick succession to Colombia's Daybel Machado and Jefferson Lerma and Brazil's João Gomes.
Colombia looked the more confident team throughout the first half, and their smart play was rewarded in added time when Crystal Palace full-back Muñoz finished on goal after a superb pass from veteran striker John Córdoba.

 

Here are the current standings in the 2024 Copa America:

Group A:

1. Argentina: 3 wins, 6 points (Advanced to quarterfinals)
2. Canada: 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss, 4 points (Advanced to quarterfinals)
3. Chile: 2 draws, 1 loss, 2 points (Eliminated)
4. Peru: 1 draw, 2 losses, 1 point (Eliminated)

Group B:

1. Venezuela: 3 wins, 9 points
2. Ecuador: 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss, 4 points
3. Mexico: 1 win, 1 draw, 1 point
4. Jamaica: 3 losses, 0 points

Group C:

1. Uruguay: 3 wins, 9 points
2. Panama: 2 wins, 1 loss, 6 points
3. USA: 1 win, 2 draws, 1 point
4. Bolivia: 3 losses, 0 points

Group D:

1. Colombia: 2 wins, 6 points
2. Brazil: 1 win, 1 draw, 4 points
3. Costa Rica: 1 win, 1 loss, 3 points
4. Paraguay: 3 losses, 0 points