Roberto Firmino canceled out Luis Diaz' wonder strike before Casemiro scored the winner in the 100th minute.
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Brazil came from behind to beat Colombia 2-1 in the Copa America 2021 Group A fixture at the Olympic stadium. Colombia took the lead through Luis Diaz’ wonder strike in the first half before Roberto Firmino equalized for the hosts in the later stage of the game. Meanwhile, the equalizer was marred by a controversial referee decision in the build-up to the goal. Thereby because of the long protests from the Colombians and the VAR check, 10 minutes of stoppage time was shown by the fourth referee. At the end of the stoppage time, Casemiro scored the winner to take all three points for the hosts.
Colombia took the lead in the 11th minute through FC Porto player Diaz. The 23-year-old midfielder’s acrobatic bicycle kick from Cuadrado’s cross went past the Brazil goalkeeper Weverton and into the back of the net. After the goal, the Colombians sat back and allowed the Selecao to have the bulk of the ball possession, but denied them any space at the final third.
12 minutes from time, the ball hit the referee’s knee during Brazil’s attack and the Colombians paused for a second expecting the Argentine referee to order a drop ball. However, Nestor Pitana allowed the game to continue and Tite’s side took full advantage of it. Substitute Lucas Paqueta moved the ball to left-back Renan Lodi, who’s cross was headed in by Firmino to level the score.
The Colombian players and coaching staff were incensed but the VAR also didn’t overturn the referee’s decision and the goal stood. To add salt to their wounds the Brazilians got the winner in the 100th minute. Neymar’s corner from the right wing was headed in by Casemiro at the near post. The Real Madrid midfielder was unmarked and it was probably the only instance in the match when the Colombian defence switched off. Nevertheless, top teams need just one chance to change the outcome of the match.
Earlier in the day, Ecuador and Peru played out a 2-2 draw at Olimpico Stadium in Goiania. Ecuador opened the scoring courtesy of Renato Tapia’s own goal in the 23rd minute and extended the lead through Ayrton Preciado in the injury time of first half. Meanwhile, Peru came out all guns blazing in the second half and leveled the score through Gianluca Lapadula and Andre Carrillo in the 49th and 54th minute respectively.
After Wednesday’s fixtures, Peru are placed 3rd in Group B with 4 points from 3 games whereas Ecuador are at 4th spot with two points from 3 games, level on points with 5th placed Venezuela. Meanwhile, Brazil are comfortably placed on top of the table with 9 points from 3 games, and have already secured their place in the last 8. Wednesday’s victory was their tenth consecutive one. Meanwhile, Colombia have 4 points from as many games.
