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Brazil underperform again despite quality at their disposal
In a tightly contested battle at Levi's Stadium, Colombia and Brazil settled for a 1-1 draw, concluding their Group D campaigns in the Copa América with contrasting fortunes.
Colombia, already assured of a quarter-final berth, aimed to solidify their top spot, while Brazil sought to bounce back after resting key players in their previous match.
The match began with an early display of intent from both sides. James Rodríguez rattled the crossbar with a powerful set-piece for Colombia, but it was Brazil who struck first blood.
Raphinha, reinstated to the starting lineup, curled a precise free-kick past Camilo Vargas to give Brazil the lead in the 15th minute. The goal ignited the atmosphere, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess in pursuit of further goals.
Colombia thought they had equalized through Davinson Sánchez, only for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out for offside, maintaining Brazil's slender advantage. As the first half progressed, Rodríguez continued to threaten Alisson's goal, forcing the Liverpool keeper into a crucial save to keep Brazil ahead.
Just before halftime, Colombia found their breakthrough. Jhon Córdoba's incisive pass set up Daniel Muñoz, who clinically finished to level the score, sending the Colombian fans into jubilation.
The second half saw both teams pushing for a winner. Raphinha came close to repeating his earlier heroics with another dangerous free-kick, narrowly missing the target. Colombia's substitute Rafael Santos Borré had a golden opportunity to clinch victory late on but failed to convert from close range, ensuring the match ended in a draw.
Despite the stalemate, Colombia's position atop Group D remains secure, setting up a quarter-final clash with Panama. Meanwhile, Brazil, finishing second, faces a daunting task against Uruguay, who have been flawless so far in the tournament and will be without Vinícius Júnior due to suspension.
With their unbeaten streak intact and aspirations for a first Copa América triumph since 2001 alive, Colombia will look to build on their solid group stage performances as they progress to the knockout phase.
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