Group stage

Mexico Metropolis. Brazil has the status of being a five-time world champion. It would not matter how they get to the ultimate phases of a match, whether or not they play with three or extra forwards or choose to defend of their space; in any circumstance, they’re the rival to beat for anybody. Colombia got here near doing so yesterday within the Copa America. They competed, they have been robust and so they created one of the best objective alternatives, however the Canarinha managed to carry on to a 1-1 draw with solely flashes of his high quality.

Within the match that outlined the chief of Group D in Santa Clara, California, the Yellow inexperienced The crew solely introduced its significance to the pitch for just a few moments. This time there was no festive evening or samba rhythm. Its lack of coordination was not judged harshly, nevertheless it was clear that its primary energy is its individuality. Raphinha’s objective within the twelfth minute served as proof.

Simply when the Colombian assault was most urgent, the Barcelona striker despatched a left-footed free-kick into the highest left nook of Camilo Vargas’ objective to make it 1-0. With this, Brazil discovered a change of tempo in its stage of play, an outlet for the concepts developed by Colombia.

In a comparability for every line from midfield ahead, James Rodríguez was higher than Vinicius Júnior, the identical as ahead Jhon Córdoba over Rodrygo. However the scoreboard didn’t do justice till the tip of the primary half.

After a play that started with a slide close to midfield, Córdoba – a former participant for the now-defunct Jaguares de Chiapas in Liga MX – turned on the half moon and handed the ball to Crystal Palace full-back Daniel Muñoz to stage the rating in a one-on-one with goalkeeper Alisson Becker (45+2).

The enjoyment of the Colombians might have been even better, however minutes earlier Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela disallowed a objective by Davinson Sánchez, by means of the VAR, following an alleged offside place.

Apprehensive about not seeing the Brazil that his followers are used to, coach Dorival Júnior seemed for solutions on his bench. Though he improved in the beginning of the second half, this solely elevated the spirits of his rival. Led by a superb James Rodríguez, the assaults of Luis Fernando Díaz and Córdoba, later changed by Rafael Santos Borré, have been clearer than the few organized by the crew. Canarinha.

The clearest probability got here by means of the ft of Santos Borré, who was arrange by a cross from Díaz on the left wing and, when he completed, his shot flew huge regardless of having an open objective. Everybody within the Brazilian squad breathed deeply. Though the group lead was at stake, Vinicius and firm gave it up within the remaining stretch of the match.

Colombia completed forward with seven factors and can face Panama within the quarterfinals, whereas the five-time champion, with none partying, completed in second place (5) to face Uruguay. The opposite sequence are Argentina-Ecuador and Venezuela-Canada.

In Austin, Costa Rica stated goodbye to the match with a 2-1 victory over Paraguay, putting itself in third place (4 factors), behind Brazil. Francisco Calvo and Josimar Alcócer scored the targets for Costa Rica. Ramón Sosa lower the rating for the Albirroja.