Néstor Lorenzo has gradually earned the trust of all of Colombia, having gone 26 games unbeaten in all competitions. In the Copa América, he once again faced Brazil, the five-time world champions, managing to draw 1-1 in the last match of the group stage.
One of the most outstanding players so far in the tournament is James Rodríguez, who gave an exhibition of football in the match against Brazil, due to his sacrifice and the extravaganzas he gave.
At one point, the Cúcuta native embarrassed Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. by throwing a hat at him that was ruined by the Brazilian footballer’s slap at the Colombian.
This earned him a yellow card and suspension from the quarter-final match against Uruguay, which finished top of Group C, beating Panama, the United States and Bolivia.
Raphinha put Brazil ahead in the 12th minute, but Daniel Muñoz equalised in the 45+3 at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara (California), packed with more than 68,000 spectators, mostly Colombians.
On paper, they have a more accessible match to advance to the semifinals, their neighbor Panama, one of the surprises of the Copa America, which finished second behind the Celeste in Group C.
Colombian national team against Brazil in Copa America 2024 | Photo: Getty Images
With seven points, Colombia secured first place in the group and is now preparing to face Panama in the quarterfinals next Saturday, July 6.
Brazil is experiencing one of its worst streaks of results, with an unusual sixth place in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in North America, with only seven points in six games played and three consecutive losses to Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina.
On Saturday, the Canarinha will face Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay in Las Vegas in a match in which they will be without their star player Vinicius Jr., who received his second yellow card on Tuesday and will have to serve a one-match suspension.
For its part, Costa Rica beat Paraguay 2-1 on Tuesday in the third matchday of Group D of the 2024 Copa América, but it was not enough to qualify for the quarterfinals of the tournament.
The Costa Rican goals came early, with Francisco Calvo (2) and Josimar Alcócer (6), in a Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, at half its capacity, with a majority of Costa Rican fans.
For Paraguay, Ramón Sosa scored with a missile in the 54th minute.
The Ticos needed to beat Paraguay and for Colombia to do the same to Brazil in the other match of the series.
Colombia vs Brasil. | Foto: 2024 Getty Images
2024-07-03 03:49:22
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