Vinicius Junior to miss quarter-finals through suspension
PV desk: Brazil , on Tuesday, drew 1-1 to Colombia in its final Group D match at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Despite a draw, it was able to secure its quarter-finals spot as runners up.
Next up, Brazil will face Group C toppers Uruguay on July 6 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
An equalizer from Daniel Munoz in first half stoppage time was enough to earn Colombia a share of the spoils after Raphinha had fired Brazil into the lead with a sublime 12th-minute free-kick .
The result means Colombia advance to the knockout rounds as winners of Group D, where they will face Group C runners-up Panama in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday.
Brazil will head into the quarter-final assignment without star player Vinicius Jr, who picked up his second yellow card of the tournament for a reckless early foul on James Rodriguez .
Colombia playmaker Rodriguez had alarm bells ringing amongst Brazil fans from the ensuing free-kick, just clipping the top of the bar with goalkeeper Alisson beaten.
But although Colombia made the smoother start it was Brazil who took the lead after 12 minutes, with Raphinha curling a sensational free-kick into the top corner to make it 1-0.
Colombia however continued to threaten, Rodriguez volleying over the bar on the turn after 16 minutes.
Rodriguez thought he had set up Colombia’s equalizer three minutes later, supplying a pinpoint cross from a free-kick on the right for Davinson Sanchez to home.
The goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
Tempers threatened to boil over midway through the first half, and Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela issued three yellow cards in quick succession to Colombia’s Deiver Machado and Jefferson Lerma along with Brazil’s Joao Gomes.
Colombia looked the more assured side throughout the first half and in stoppage time their slick play got its reward, with Crystal Palace wing back Munoz blasting home after being released by a superb pass from veteran forward Jhon Cordoba.
Colombia — who have now gone 26 international games unbeaten since a defeat to Argentina in early 2022 — looked comfortable through the second half and should have wrapped up victory in the final minutes only for substitute Rafael Borre to shoot over from eight yards with the goal gaping.
In Tuesday’s other Group D game Costa Rica defeated Paraguay 2-1 in Austin to finish in third place.
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