Brazil and Colombia ended the Copa America group stage with the most exciting match of the tournament so far. A perfect free-kick from Raphinha in the 12th minute gave Brazil the lead and the game quickly lived up to expectations, but Colombia found the equaliser through Daniel Munoz to preserve their unbeaten group stage and retain top spot in Group D.
Brazil are left wondering what could have been after what appeared to be a clear penalty for Vinicius Junior was disallowed by the referee shortly before Colombia’s goal.
Colombia missed a late chance to score but perhaps the most significant moment of the match came in the seventh minute when Vinicius Jr was shown a yellow card that will rule him out of Brazil’s quarter-finals due to a pile-up.
Jack Lang, Stu James and Thom Harris share their impressions of Levi’s Stadium…
Was this the best match of the tournament so far?
A match like this was eagerly awaited at the Copa America, between two heavyweights, and it did not disappoint. The game was thrilling from the first minute, breathless, intense and played like a knockout match. Perhaps this was not surprising given what was at stake: a quarter-final against Panama for the Group D winners and the bleak prospect of facing Uruguay for the runners-up.
Eder Militao heads the ball over Jhon Cordoba. (Photo: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The game wasn’t always pretty – 17 fouls and four yellow cards in the first half alone – but that didn’t detract from the spectacle, which was brightened by a stunning free-kick from Raphinha that gave Brazil the lead. Colombia were still in the dressing room – Nestor Lorenzo’s side were surprised by Brazil’s lightning start. Colombia’s strong response speaks volumes about their quality and resilience. They are 26 games unbeaten.
In that respect, the match lived up to expectations – both teams had chances to win in the final minutes – and it is highly likely that we will be treated to a rematch in the semi-finals, given the draw. Few neutrals will complain if that is the case.
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Stuart James
On track. Every time.
There’s something about the way James Rodriguez floats on a set piece – he walks towards the ball, flicks his foot to send it spinning towards the penalty area, but leaves it in the air just long enough to keep the keeper at bay – that makes it incredibly difficult to resist.
He has already created seven chances from set pieces at the Copa America. Only three players have created more chances in any category. And he could have made a third set-piece assist in a thrilling first half against Brazil, if not for the unforgiving geometry of VAR. You will often see him trotting from one side of the pitch to the other to take consecutive corners, but the fans are happy to wait.
James Rodriguez takes a shot on goal in the first half. (Photo: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)
Rodriguez was also very varied from set pieces. After eight minutes, the 32-year-old sent a powerful free-kick towards goal, but it hit the crossbar and went out of bounds. It was a shame it was overshadowed by Raphinha’s try just five minutes into the game.
Then, from a central position, he suddenly changes technique, quickly closing his body to try to surprise Alisson. Of course, he almost succeeds.
Even though he has lost a meter of speed, Rodriguez still feels like he has a head start. By moving behind the two forwards, doing, basically, whatever he wants, he keeps this excellent Colombian team moving.
Thom Harris
How will Brazil fare without Vinicius Jr?
At kick-off, four Brazilian players had to walk a tightrope and one of them quickly fell. With just six minutes to play, James Rodriguez sent the ball over Vinicius Jr’s head in midfield and collapsed. Vinicius looked stunned as referee Jesus Valenzuela showed him a yellow card, meaning he will now be suspended for Brazil’s quarter-final against Uruguay.
His absence is obviously a big problem. Vinicius is not only an excellent player, he is increasingly seen as the team’s talisman, the man his teammates and fans turn to in difficult times. His importance has only been reinforced by the poor form of his Real Madrid colleague Rodrygo, who has again struggled to make an impression here.
Vinicius Junior reacts after receiving a yellow card. (Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Dorival Júnior therefore has some tough choices to make. One option would be to move Rodrygo to the left side and play Endrick in the middle. Otherwise, there are few natural wingers who could directly replace the striker. Gabriel Martinelli and Pepe both like to play on the left side, but the most likely replacement is probably Savinho, who has performed well in Brazil’s first two games.
No option is perfect. Rodrygo doesn’t offer the same speed and penetration as Vinicius on the wings. Martinelli is out of form. Pepe is unproven. Savinho is left-footed, which would require a rethink of Brazil’s attacking schemes. Decisions, decisions, decisions…
Jack Lang
What’s next for each team?
Colombia vs Panama — Saturday, July 6 at 5:00 p.m. ET (State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ)
Uruguay vs Brazil — Saturday, July 6 at 9:00 p.m. ET (Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV)
What did the leaders say?
Dorival Junior, the Brazilian, on Vinicius’ suspension: “It happens. It was an important game and I didn’t intend to rest anyone. We started the game very well. It was very strange, the yellow card. It was the first challenge of the game. But people say we have to learn to play without our big stars, so this is the moment. At certain moments, we won’t have important players. We’ve already lost Neymar. This is the moment for other players to take over.”
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Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo on Jefferson Lerma’s yellow card, which will rule him out of the quarter-final against Panama: “It could have been avoided. It’s something we talked about a lot with the team. That’s the bitter note we take from this day. There are instinctive reactions that we have to control in a different way.”
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(Top photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)