Copa America 2024: Colombia holds Brazil to 1-1 draw after Raphinha gave Selecao lead from free kick

Brazil will face Uruguay while Colombia will face Panama in quarterfinals.

After already booking their place in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Copa America, Group D table-toppers Colombia faced Brazil at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara to conclude the group stage of the tournament. The game got off to a fiery start with both teams making hard challenges, resulting in a flurry of yellow cards in the opening minutes.

After being dropped in the last match due to his poor opening game performance, Raphinha repaid coach Dorival Junior’s faith with a stellar return to the starting lineup. He scored a stunning free kick into the top right corner to give Brazil a crucial 1-0 lead in the 12th minute.

The match was a physical and intense battle, with Brazil and Colombia looking to dominate both on and off the ball. After going a goal down, Colombia upped the ante in search of the equalizer, increasing their attacking play and creating goal-scoring opportunities through their star playmaker James Rodriguez. However, Brazil remained vigilant at the back, soaking up the consistent Colombian pressure well.

The constant Colombian threat finally paid off towards the end of the first half, as Nestor Lorenzo’s side equalized through right-back Daniel Muñoz, making it 1-1 heading into the break.

With half-time substitutions by both sides, Colombia and Brazil looked to get the vital breakthrough goal that would send either team to the top of the table. Seleção Canarinho started the second half brightly with an array of chances at the Colombian goal. Los Cafeteros responded with their own flurry of attempts, as the closely contested matchup became an open-ended affair with good chances at both ends.

Even with the implementation of attacking changes to freshen things up, neither side was able to find the winning goal. Both teams lacked the decisive cutting edge in the final third, resulting in the match ending 1-1. With this draw, Brazil confirmed the final spot in the Copa America 2024 quarterfinals.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram