Did Ronaldinho have some extent? Ridiculous because it sounds — Ronaldinho will certainly have fun with the Selecao if Brazil wins this yr’s Copa America — Brazil has appeared surprisingly mediocre over their previous three video games, they usually look nothing just like the world-conquering groups of the early 2000s. Regardless of dominating Costa Rica in each possession and probabilities, Brazil was woefully wasteful and needed to accept a draw. They made gentle work of Paraguay in a 4-1 win. However, they entered a blockbuster matchup in opposition to Colombia needing a win to say first of their group. With their current outcomes, it wouldn’t be ridiculous to say claiming a win appeared unlikely.
This Brazil crew, regardless of the standard of its star gamers, has appeared pissed off at occasions. They appeared pissed off enjoying in opposition to Costa Rica’s again 5, leaning on counter-attacking probabilities and lengthy pictures to attempt to make a distinction. Neymar’s absence is clear all through the entire squad — at occasions, this Brazil squad is missing in creativity and aptitude. And, they’ve carried a burden on them. They’ve been trying to find a title for practically 5 years, and they’re coping with recollections of heartbreak and the stifling expectations of the media. Though it wouldn’t silence the criticism, a constructive outcome in opposition to an in-form Colombia may mute the questions.
Munoz equalizer places Colombia up prime
For a minute, it appeared like Brazil would return to its world-beating selves. Their early opener got here by Raphinha, whose first aim since September for Brazil got here at a significant time. His banging effort was virtually robotic. Set the ball—measurement up the wall. Take a couple of striding steps towards the ball. Strike it. Repeat. His curling, spinning effort steadily rose over the Colombian wall and dipped simply sufficient to nestle itself within the prime proper nook. Raphinha celebrated the aim as if he had simply received the World Cup, and rightfully. The strike would take Brazil to the highest of the group and set them up for a quarterfinal match in opposition to Panama.
Nevertheless, it appeared Brazil cracked below strain, because it has a number of occasions all through the Copa América. They had been lucky to flee a right away equalizer after Davinson Sánchez’s headed aim off a James Rodriguez set-piece was chalked off as a result of off-sides.
And so they appeared brittle below duress. You can bodily see the indicators of pressure and strain on Brazil- the signs being thrown arms, weary eyes, and bursts of anger. Even whereas they held their lead and loved nearly all of possession, they nonetheless lashed out, susceptible to moments of frustration. Joao Gomes practically instigated a bench-clearing brawl after smashing a ball right into a grounded Colombia participant. Vinicius discovered himself snarled with James Rodriguez and clumsily swung his arm into James’ face, selecting up a yellow that can mark him absent for his or her subsequent sport. He exploded on the referee after he was denied a transparent penalty simply earlier than halftime, and he was stifled all through the match by Colombia’s stringent protection. They at all times appeared on edge, anticipating the following controversy and the newest crucial headline.
Colombia discovered its long-awaited equalizer because of the creativity of Jhon Cordoba. Receiving the ball together with his again to the aim and preventing off strain from Marquinhos, Cordoba initially settled the ball earlier than slipping an ideal through-ball to left-back Daniel Munoz streaking behind the protection. One-on-one with Alisson, Munoz stabbed his shot simply over the keeper into an open web to return on prime of the group.
Colombia practically took the lead within the 83rd minute by the counter-attack. After dispossessing a Brazil midfielder halfway up the pitch, Luis Diaz scampered onto a through-ball on the wing with choices within the field. Diaz performed a formidable ball throughout the face of the aim to Rafael Borre. However, Borre couldn’t get a clear hit on the ball, bouncing and twirling throughout the turf. His try rose simply over the bar as an anguished Borre and relieved Alisson may solely watch.
Brazil seals quarterfinals spot
Ought to Brazil be anxious? Brief reply, sure. After their barren 1-1 draw, they’ll journey to Vegas and face a Uruguay facet that has scored 9 targets and conceded one this event. They give the impression of being dangerously near their worst Copa America outcome since 2015, and a loss may put their complete rebuild below gaffer Dorival Junior in jeopardy.
Brazil appeared off their sport in opposition to Colombia, who additionally sat deep for many of the sport. They struggled to flow into the ball by the midfield, that means gamers like Vinicius and Rodrygo appeared stranded all through the match. Colombia’s deep block meant that Brazil couldn’t strike on the counter. With Bruno Guimaraes and Gomes, two defensive midfielders, tasked with progressing the ball and creating alternatives, Brazil struggled to interrupt down Colombia’s low block. Their finest alternatives got here off dead-ball conditions.
For a Brazil squad whose calling card has been their potent, flashy assault, this outcome was uncanny — unreal virtually.
Brazil’s Saturday quarterfinal matchup in opposition to Uruguay shall be a turning level of their progress main as much as the World Cup. This Copa America was speculated to be a breakout event for the nation’s youthful era. Gomes, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick, and extra weigh in because the crew’s most essential gamers regardless of their youth. Nevertheless, they’ve all appeared both inconsistent or unimpressive all through the event. Set to be with out Neymar and likewise a suspended Vinicius, their quarterfinal fixture will mark a turning level for Brazil. Can Brazil lean on their youth for his or her World Cup push? Or will Brazil have to return to their getting older stars?
As for Colombia, they will depend themselves unfortunate to not stroll away with one other win. Colombia hasn’t misplaced a match since March 2022, they usually confirmed no indicators of breaking that streak. Unfortunate to see their first aim disallowed, Colombia equalized by a magical Rodriguez set-piece. Colombia stretched out Brazil’s protection by their wingers Rodriguez and Luis Diaz, and their probabilities often got here down the flank. On a greater day, they may have scored as many as three targets. They had been the higher crew and may take delight of their efficiency, particularly after sealing a positive match in opposition to Panama.
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