Brazil is on the brink of securing a spot in the Copa America's knockout phase for the third time in a row. They only need a draw against Colombia on Tuesday at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco.
Brazil's impressive 4-1 victory over Paraguay catapulted them to second place in Group D. Meanwhile, Colombia sealed their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica.
For the first half hour on Friday, Brazil looked like they might repeat their earlier struggles, missing several chances, including a penalty. However, this time, Dorival Junior's team eventually broke through, achieving their biggest win since a 5-1 victory over Bolivia in September 2023.
This win ended Brazil's four-game winless streak against CONMEBOL opponents. To advance past the group stage for the 14th time in their last 15 Copa America appearances, Brazil just needs to avoid defeat on matchday three. They haven't lost a group-stage match in this tournament since a 1-0 defeat to Peru in the U.S. in 2016.
Under Junior, Brazil's performances have been mixed, but their defense has tightened up in this tournament, allowing only one goal compared to six in their three previous games. Colombia, on the other hand, secured their sixth consecutive quarter-final appearance with another clinical performance on Friday.
Colombia is on a 25-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, maintaining a perfect record this year with six wins. A win on matchday three would secure them the top spot in their group and mark the first time they've finished the group stage with nine points since 2019.
Colombia hasn't conceded a first-half goal since a 3-2 comeback win over Mexico last December. They've also won their last three matches after conceding the opening goal, most recently in that victory over Mexico.
On Tuesday, Colombia has the chance to win consecutive matches against Brazil for the first time ever, following their 2-1 World Cup qualifier win last November.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Brazil might keep star forward Vinicius Junior on the bench for their next match. Vinicius, along with his Real Madrid teammates Eder Militao and Wendell, are on yellow cards and risk suspension if they play.In their previous match, Brazil made two changes to their starting lineup. Wendell returned to left-back, replacing Guilherme Arana, and Savio took over for Raphinha. Vinicius scored twice in the first half, bringing his total to five goals for the national team.
Savio netted his first international goal, and Lucas Paqueta, who is also on a yellow card, successfully converted a penalty in the 65th minute after missing one in the first half.
For Colombia, there were concerns about captain James Rodriguez, who was substituted with less than 20 minutes remaining in their last match. However, coach Nestor Lorenzo stated it was only a precaution.
Three Colombians: Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios, and Jhon Cordoba are also on yellow cards and will miss the quarter-finals if cautioned again on Tuesday.
In Colombia's last match, Luis Diaz scored a first-half penalty, his 13th goal for the national team. Cordoba and Davinson Sanchez added the other goals.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Brazil possible starting lineup:Alisson; Danilo, Beraldo, Marquinhos, Arana; Guimaraes, Gomes; Savio, Pereira, Rodrygo; Endrick
Colombia possible starting lineup:
Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Cuesta, Machado; Castano, Uribe, Arias; Sinisterra, Duran, Diaz
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Brazil 2-2 Colombia[/SPOILER]
Both teams might have their eyes on the bigger picture. Colombia is already through to the next round, and Brazil is in a strong position to secure second place, sitting three points ahead of Costa Rica with a +3 goal differential compared to Costa Rica's -3.
Neither side wants to risk injuries or suspensions, so we can expect a cautious but entertaining match. Look out for some promising young talent on both sides eager to make their mark.
Both teams might have their eyes on the bigger picture. Colombia is already through to the next round, and Brazil is in a strong position to secure second place, sitting three points ahead of Costa Rica with a +3 goal differential compared to Costa Rica's -3.
Neither side wants to risk injuries or suspensions, so we can expect a cautious but entertaining match. Look out for some promising young talent on both sides eager to make their mark.
