Brazil beat Colombia 2-1 at the BRB Mane Garrincha Arena on Friday (21/3) in the 13th match of the CONMEBOL zone’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Vinicius Junior’s goal was the difference.
Brazil continue their quest to qualify directly for the 2026 finals. This time, their opponents are Colombia, who are in a better position in the standings.
Brazil were without Neymar during this month’s international break due to an injury.
Meanwhile, other key players such as Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Rodrygo played from the start.
Initially, the match went smoothly for Brazil after Raphinha scored from the penalty spot in the 6th minute. Before that, Vinicius was fouled in the box by Daniel Munoz.
Brazil almost made it 2-0 in the 9th minute. But Vinicius was denied by Camilo Vargas.
The game became interesting after Colombia equalised in the 41st minute. Luis Diaz got his name on the scoresheet.
The goal began with a mistake by Joelinton, who held the ball in his own half. James Rodriguez then squared the ball to Diaz, who was unmarked. The Liverpool striker feinted before unleashing a low shot.
The goal prompted Brazil to step up their attacks. However, no further goals were scored before half-time.
Brazil Vs Colombia Second Half
Brazil continued to pile pressure on the Colombian defence in the second half, with Raphinha and Vinicius threatening the visitors’ defence on several occasions.
Vargas, however, produced some brilliant saves under the crossbar. One of his saves came from a long-range effort by Raphinha in the 54th minute.
Colombia did not go quietly either. Rodriguez almost got his name on the scoresheet in the 69th minute. However, his shot was blocked by Alisson.
Brazil finally regained the lead as the game entered the 90+9 minute mark. Vinicius Junior brought the home crowd to their feet. The Real Madrid striker fired home from long range.
After conceding a second goal, Colombia tried to equalise. But time was running out. The score remained 2-1 until the final whistle.
The result leaves Brazil second in the standings on 21 points. Brazil next face Argentina on Wednesday, March 26 at 05:30 AM (IST).
Brazil Vs Colombia Lineups
Brazil: Alisson Becker; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Guilhemre Arana; Bruno Guimaraes, Gerson, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Rodrygo; Joao Pedro
Coach: Dorival Junior
Colombia: Camilo Vargas; Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez; Richard Rios, Jefferson Lerma, James Rodriguez, John Cordoba, John Arias; Luis Diaz
Coach: Nestor Lorenzo
