On Wednesday, Brazil defeated Colombia 2-1 in a tight Copa America contest that included three incredible goals.
Colombia took the lead in the tenth minute when Juan Cuadrado crossed from the right and found Luis Daz alone in the penalty area of Brazil. The striker scored the tournament’s finest goal with a stunning volley to the right side of goalie Weverton.
The Colombians then began defending against a Brazil team that had barely come to a halt around its penalty area. Colombia appeared to have a chance until Argentine referee Nestor Pitana’s knee entered the game.
In the 78th minute, Pitana unintentionally stopped a ball by Neymar approximately 10 meters in front of the Colombian area. Colombian defenders came to a halt, but Brazil substitute Lucas Paquetá simply passed the ball to left-back Renan Lodi, whose cross reached Roberto Firmino, who passed Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina with an angled header.
Colombia originally refused to resume the game, but Pitana, the 2018 World Cup final referee, confirmed Brazil’s goal.
Brazil maintained its pressure in the waning minutes and was rewarded with extra time. Casemiro scored the winner after Neymar took a corner.
“They came at us once and then stopped,” Casemiro said after the match.
“It was our attack against their defense. Colombia is a strong team but, as the coach requires, we are very strong mentally.”
Earlier Tuesday, Ecuador and Peru tied 2-2 in Goiânia’s Olimpico stadium. Renato Tapia’s own goal in the 23rd minute gave Ecuador the lead, and Ayrton Preciado added the second in first-half stoppage time.
Gianluca Lapadula’s goal in the 49th minute and André Carrillo’s goal in the 54th minute brought Peru even in the second half. Both sides have a chance to progress to the knockout stage.
After three games, Brazil leads the group with nine points. Colombia has four points from four games. Peru has four points as well, followed by Ecuador (3) and Venezuela (2).
The top four teams progress to the next round of the playoffs.
On Sunday, Brazil will play Ecuador in its final group stage match.
