A first win in three games moved Brazil a step closer to confirming their place in next year’s FIFA World Cup, following a 2-1 win against Colombia in Brasilia.
Brazil moved one step closer to securing their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Colombia in Brasilia. The game was full of action, with Vinicius Junior scoring a sensational 99th-minute winner to send the home crowd into celebration. The victory lifted Brazil to second place in the South American qualifiers, while Colombia remained in sixth, still in contention but under pressure.
Early Penalty Puts Brazil in Control
The match started at a high tempo, with Brazil eager to take an early lead. Just four minutes into the game, Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior was brought down inside the penalty box, leaving the referee with no choice but to award a penalty.
Barcelona winger Raphinha stepped up to take the spot kick and showed great composure as he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner, sending Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas the wrong way. The early goal gave Brazil the perfect start and set the tone for what promised to be an intense encounter.
Raphinha reaches 50G/A for the season, in 47 games! pic.twitter.com/vlw7jM1ugK
— All Things Brazil™ (@SelecaoTalk) March 21, 2025
Following the goal, the Selecao continued to press forward, looking for a second. In the 13th minute, Rodrygo came agonizingly close to doubling Brazil’s advantage. The Real Madrid winger picked up the ball on the right flank, cut inside, and unleashed a powerful shot that whizzed just inches past the post.
With the home side in control, Colombia struggled to create meaningful chances in the opening exchanges. Brazil’s midfield dominated possession, limiting the visitors to counterattacks. However, as the first half progressed, Colombia slowly found their rhythm and started to pose a threat.
Colombia’s Stunning Equalizer
Despite Brazil’s early dominance, Colombia gradually grew into the game. Their persistence paid off in the 41st minute when they grabbed an equalizer against the run of play.
The goal was a result of a perfect link-up between two Premier League stars. Former Everton midfielder James Rodriguez won possession inside Brazil’s half and quickly found Liverpool’s Luis Diaz inside the box. The Colombian winger showed his quality with a clinical first-time finish, drilling the ball past his club teammate Alisson and into the far corner.
The goal silenced the Brazilian fans momentarily, as Colombia celebrated a crucial equalizer. With the score now level at 1-1, the momentum shifted slightly in favor of the visitors, and they looked more confident heading into halftime.
Brazil Push Forward After the Break
The second half started with Brazil determined to restore their lead. Just minutes after the restart, Raphinha tested Vargas with a powerful shot from long range. The Colombian goalkeeper managed to parry the effort but had to react quickly to deny Vinicius Junior on the rebound.
Colombia nearly turned the game on its head in the 62nd minute. A chaotic set piece led to Alisson scrambling to keep the ball out, and for a moment, it looked like the ball had crossed the line. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, much to Brazil’s relief.
The game became more physical as both teams battled for control. Colombia started pressing higher up the pitch, forcing Brazil to be more cautious in possession. The intensity of the match continued to rise, with both sides looking for a decisive goal.
Alisson and Sanchez Injured in Chaotic Moment
The match took an unfortunate turn in the 75th minute when a dangerous aerial challenge resulted in a major injury scare. Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson collided heavily with Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez while attempting to claim a high ball. The impact left both players requiring immediate medical attention.
Sanchez had to be stretchered off, while Alisson, who had been solid throughout the match, was also unable to continue. The lengthy stoppage disrupted the flow of the game, and after the restart, neither side looked particularly threatening.
With the clock ticking down, it seemed like both teams were going to settle for a draw. However, Brazil was not ready to give up just yet.
Vinicius Junior’s Last-Minute Heroics
As the game entered stoppage time, Samba Boys pushed forward desperately, urged on by their passionate home fans. With 10 minutes of added time due to the earlier injury delay, the Selecao had one last chance to snatch victory.
Then, in the 99th minute, the breakthrough arrived. Vinicius Junior, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, picked up the ball outside the box and fired a shot toward goal. The ball took a slight deflection, wrong-footing the goalkeeper before nestling into the back of the net.
GOAL | Brazil 2-1 Colombia | Vinicius Jr
WHAT A FANTASTIC GOAL FROM VINICIUS JR TO WIN IT FOR BRAZIL IN THE 99TH MINUTE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/u4vFJ26VDz
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) March 21, 2025
The entire stadium erupted as the Brazilian players celebrated wildly. It was a dramatic and crucial goal, securing all three points for Brazil in the dying moments of the game. The emotions were clear on Vinicius’ face as he ran toward the fans, knowing he had delivered a moment of magic for his country.
What This Win Means for Brazil and Colombia
The victory was a massive boost for Brazil’s World Cup qualification campaign. The three points lifted them to second place in the CONMEBOL standings, putting them in a strong position to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After a tough run of form, this win was exactly what they needed to get back on track.
On the other hand, Colombia’s defeat kept them in sixth place, still inside the qualification spots but under pressure. With only a few matches remaining, they will need to step up their performances to ensure they don’t slip into the playoff position.
Brazil’s dramatic win will give them confidence heading into their next matches, as they aim to continue their dominance in South American football.
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