Daniel Muñoz netted the equalizer in first-half stoppage time, securing a 1-1 draw for Colombia against Brazil in the Copa America and extending their unbeaten streak to 27 games.
This result enabled Colombia to finish atop their first-round group.
Crucial to Colombia’s performance was goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, who made a vital save in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time against Brazil’s Andreas Pereira.
Consequently, Colombia will face Panama in the quarterfinals in Glendale, Arizona, while Brazil will have a challenging matchup against Uruguay in Las Vegas.
Despite Brazil taking an early lead with Raphinha’s stunning left-footed free kick in the 12th minute, Colombia managed to fight back.
Raphinha celebrated enthusiastically as the seasoned Seleção struck first on a scorching evening at Levi’s Stadium, home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.
The match lived up to its billing as a tense, physical encounter, with five yellow cards issued and a packed crowd of fans from both countries filling the seats despite delays caused by overheated scanning equipment.
The Bay Area’s excessive heat warning was evident, with temperatures reaching 98 degrees at kickoff.
Colombia’s unbeaten streak extends to 27 games. James Rodríguez had an early chance in the eighth minute, hitting the bar with a left-footed free kick from outside the penalty area, and another shot in the 16th minute that went high. Rodríguez, who has three assists in the tournament, turns 33 on July 12.
Colombia had back-to-back scoring chances in the 84th minute that went unconverted, but managed to hold off Brazil.
The Brazilian team, usually championship contenders, now faces a more challenging path without a win against Colombia.
Brazil, having won the Copa America nine times and been runner-up in 2021, must regroup quickly.
Reflecting on the match, Brazil’s coach acknowledged the team’s performance, “We showed glimpses of our quality, but Colombia’s physical approach made it difficult for us to fully impose our game.” In contrast, Colombia’s coach praised his team’s resilience: “The players showed great character, and our tactical discipline allowed us to earn a valuable point and finish on top of the group.”
Colombia’s impressive run continues, including a 5-1 victory against the U.S. in a pre-tournament friendly.
They beat Brazil 2-1 last year in the South American qualifiers, building on their rivalry from 2021 when Brazil won 2-1 in the Copa America.
