Colombia ties with Brazil in Copa America 2024
Sports Desk, July 3 (EFE) –
Colombia held Brazil to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday to become Group D champions, securing a spot in the Copa America quarterfinals.
Brazil also advanced to the knockout stage and will now face Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay in the quarterfinals in Las Vegas on Saturday.
The draw at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, United States, rendered Costa Rica’s 2-1 win over Paraguay meaningless, as they bowed out with four points, one behind Brazil.
Brazil, who needed only a draw to advance, took the lead in the 12th minute thanks to Barcelona winger Raphinha, who curled a free kick in from the right corner.
Shortly before his goal, Brazil suffered a setback as striker Vinicius Junior hit James Rodriguez with his arm, receiving a yellow card that ruled him out of Saturday’s quarterfinal against Uruguay.
The cross-post saved Brazil from another immediate blow after a Rodriguez free kick.
Despite conceding the early goal, Colombia slowly got into the groove and equalized at the start of the second half, with Daniel Munoz scoring for the side. Colombia also had a goal by Nestor Lorenzo ruled out by VAR for offside.
In the end, the draw was enough for Colombia, as it pits them against Group C runners-up Panama in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday. However, they will have to play the quarterfinal without Jefferson Lerma, who, like Vinicius, was also reprimanded and will miss the match against Panama.
In Austin, Costa Rica began their match against Paraguay fast, hoping for a miracle, scoring two goals in the opening seven minutes.
However, the momentum brought by Francisco Calvo and Josimar Alcocer did not last long. Ramon Sosa closed the margin for Paraguay, leaving Costa Rica with a mere win and no place in the knockout phase. EFE
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