Vinicius Junior struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the ninth minute to give Brazil a 2-1 win over Colombia in their South American World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
Brazil had taken an early lead in the sixth minute through a penalty from Raphinha, following a foul by Daniel Munoz on Vinicius. However, Colombia equalised in the 41st minute thanks to a superb strike from Luis Diaz, who was set up by James Rodriguez.
The second half saw Colombia press for a winner, but Brazil remained a threat. The match turned even more tense when Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker was forced off with a concussion after a clash with Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez.
With Colombia dominating possession but failing to break through, the game went into stoppage time. In the final moments, Vinicius Junior’s fierce strike took a slight deflection off a defender and flew past Colombia’s goalkeeper to secure all three points for Brazil.
Vinicius reflected on his dramatic goal: “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 win puts Brazil in second place in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, four points behind leaders Argentina.
Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo expressed frustration after the defeat, saying, “We deserved more, but that’s the way it is. We played a great game and came away with nothing again.”
Brazil’s next match will be a high-stakes clash with Argentina on Tuesday.
