Brazil secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Colombia in their South American World Cup qualifier on Thursday, thanks to a last-gasp goal from Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid star struck the winner in the ninth minute of stoppage time, ensuring Brazil stayed in second place in the 10-team CONMEBOL standings, four points behind leaders Argentina.
Brazil took an early lead in the sixth minute when Raphinha confidently converted a penalty after Daniel Munoz fouled Vinicius Junior inside the box. However, Colombia responded before halftime, with Luis Diaz scoring a brilliant goal in the 41st minute. James Rodriguez set up Diaz, who cut inside from the left and drilled a low shot into the far corner.
Colombia dominated possession in the second half and created several opportunities, but they failed to capitalize. James Rodriguez created a good chance in the 68th minute, but Alisson Becker comfortably saved his effort. In the 78th minute, Becker collided with Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez, resulting in a suspected concussion that forced him off.
Despite Colombia’s attacking pressure, Brazil remained dangerous on the counter. Guilherme Arana came close in the 82nd minute, but his shot narrowly missed the target. The extended stoppage time, caused by Alisson’s injury, gave Brazil one last opportunity. Vinicius seized the moment, unleashing a powerful strike that deflected off a defender’s head and flew past the Colombian goalkeeper.
Vinicius expressed his joy after the game, saying, “Today’s goal is a bit of relief and happiness. Playing for the national team feels like the first time, every time.”
Colombia, sitting sixth in the standings, was left frustrated by the narrow defeat. Coach Nestor Lorenzo lamented, “We deserved more. We kept Brazil in their half but came away with nothing. I have doubts about the refereeing, but I won’t comment.”
In other qualifiers, Paraguay edged past bottom-placed Chile 1-0, leaving La Roja rooted to the bottom. Peru beat Bolivia 3-1, with veteran striker Paolo Guerrero scoring on the stroke of halftime. Ecuador hosts Venezuela and Uruguay faces Argentina on Friday in other key fixtures.
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