Brazil-Colombia: first real test for Vinicius Junior and his team-mates!
by Azadeh Ghavidel | by Azadeh Ghavidel
After an underwhelming Copa America start, Vinicius Junior helped Brazil to bounce back against Paraguay with a 4-1 victory. Vinicius Jr put Brazil on the right track by tapping the ball to record the first goal before Savio extended their lead minutes later. The Real Madrid star then recorded his second goal of the match following a moment of luck after catching a rebound into an empty net. However, Vinicius Jr and his teammates will face their first real test in their Group D finale against Colombia.
Colombia currently sits at the top of the group after winning their first two games, while the Selecao stands two points behind them after recording a draw in their opening match. However, the match promises a thrilling adventure as both Brazil and Colombia are eager to lead the group and avoid a quarterfinal match against an in-form Uruguay.
So, who’s the most likely to finish at the helm of Group D between Brazil and Colombia? Here’s a preview of this group stage finale.
A preview of Vinicius Junior’s side against Colombia
Brazil remains unbeaten in 2024, despite losing their last three matches of 2023 against Colombia, Uruguay, and Argentina. Wins over Mexico, Paraguay, and England alongside draws against Spain, Costa Rica, and the USA have somehow steadied their boat. Still, their fans were disappointed by their lackluster performance during their opening draw against Costa Rica.
The Selecao has won the Copa America tournament nine times and they ranked among the pre-tournament favorites. Their team’s form hasn’t backed the faith their fans had in them before the tournament kickoff and they will need significant improvements to remain a major contender in their bid for their 10th Copa America trophy.
Meanwhile, the Los Cafeteros couldn’t be placed better for their fixture with Brazil. They’ve gone 25 matches unbeaten and have landed a victory over Brazil in this run during their 2-1 World Cup qualifier match last November. That said, the best prediction for this Brazil vs Colombia game is a draw and both sides score (G-G).
Colombia doesn’t feature many household names in their squad, but their unbeaten record has been impressive so far. Veteran Midfielder James Rodriguez and Liverpool’s Luis Diaz are the most famous players in Nestor Lorenzo’s squad, which has seen huge success with their 4-3-3 formation. As such, the Los Cafeteros seem well matched to give Selecao a stern test.
Brazil vs Colombia Team News
Brazil doesn’t have any suspended players for this game, although four of their players have a yellow card, including Lucas Paqueta, Lucas Paqueta, Wendel, and Eder Militao. Dorival Junior is expected to keep the faith with the squad that crashed Paraguay, meaning Joao Gomes might start in the midfield, with Gabrieli Martinelli starting off the bench as Savinho is favored on the right-side attack.
Colombia also doesn’t have suspended players or injury concerns. With their qualification confirmed, Manager Nestor Lorenzo might choose to rest some players. However, they are hoping to finish the group stage in the top spot to avoid facing a strong Uruguay in the quarter-finals and will be at full strength against Brazil.
