Brazilian star Vinicius Junior scored a dramatic goal in the ninth minute of stoppage time to give Brazil a thrilling 2-1 victory over Colombia in their South American World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
The win keeps Brazil in second place in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, four points behind leaders Argentina, who play Uruguay on Friday.
Brazil started strong in front of their home crowd in Brasilia. In the sixth minute, Vinicius was fouled in the penalty box by Daniel Muñoz, giving Brazil an early chance to take the lead. Barcelona forward Raphinha stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, sending the Colombian goalkeeper the wrong way.
Colombia, however, refused to back down. In the 41st minute, James Rodríguez found Liverpool winger Luis Díaz on the left side of the pitch. Díaz cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot into the far bottom corner of the net, leveling the game at 1-1 just before halftime.
Colombia Dominates, but Brazil Strikes Late
The second half saw Colombia pressing forward, creating multiple attacking opportunities. In the 68th minute, Rodríguez had a chance to put Colombia ahead, but his shot was easily saved by Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
However, Becker’s night ended early when he suffered a head injury in the 78th minute following a collision with Colombia’s Davinson Sánchez. The Liverpool goalkeeper was forced to leave the match, and Sánchez was stretchered off after the impact.
Despite Colombia’s dominance, Brazil remained dangerous. In the 82nd minute, Guilherme Arana narrowly missed a chance to restore Brazil’s lead with a shot that flashed wide.
Then, deep into stoppage time, Vinicius delivered the decisive moment. The Real Madrid star received the ball just outside the penalty area and fired a powerful shot that took a slight deflection off a Colombian defender’s head before flying into the net.
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Vinicius: Playing for Brazil Is Something You Can’t Explain
The last-minute goal sparked wild celebrations among the Brazilian players and fans. Speaking after the match, Vinicius expressed his emotions about scoring the winner.
He said, “Today’s goal is a bit of relief, a bit of happiness. Playing for the national team is something you can’t explain. Every time we come here, it’s like it’s the first time.”
The victory was crucial for Brazil as they prepare to face their biggest rivals, Argentina, on Tuesday.
Colombia Left Frustrated
For Colombia, the loss was a bitter disappointment. The team, currently in sixth place, still has work to do to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo voiced his frustration over the result and the officiating.
“We kept Brazil in their half, I think we deserved more again, but that’s the way it is. I have a lot of doubts about the refereeing decisions, which I’m not going to comment on,” he said.
He also expressed disappointment over conceding another early goal.
“We played a great game and came away with nothing again. We conceded a very early goal again,” he lamented.
Other South American Qualifiers
Elsewhere in South America, Paraguay secured a 1-0 victory over Chile in Asunción, leaving Chile at the bottom of the table.
Meanwhile, veteran striker Paolo Guerrero, 41, led Peru to a 3-1 win over Bolivia. Andy Polo opened the scoring in the 37th minute before Guerrero doubled the lead just before halftime. Bolivia pulled one back with a Miguel Terceros penalty in the 58th minute, but Edison Flores restored Peru’s two-goal advantage in the 82nd minute.
On Friday, Ecuador will host Venezuela, while Uruguay takes on Argentina in another key World Cup qualifying clash.