By Sachit Subba • Football • Mar 21, 2025 04:20 AM • 127 views
Kathmandu — Brazil kept their FIFA World Cup qualification campaign on track with a pulsating 2-1 win over Colombia in a high-stakes South American qualifier on Friday at the Estádio Mané Garrincha in Brasília.
The win propelled the Seleção to second place in the standings with 21 points from 13 matches, while Colombia slipped to sixth with 19 points from the same number of games.
Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior were the heroes for the hosts, delivering when it mattered most. Raphinha opened the scoring as early as the sixth minute, converting from the penalty spot after a Colombian handball in the box.
But Colombia, resilient and hungry, found their way back into the contest. In the 41st minute, Liverpool star Luis Díaz brought the visitors level with a sharp header off a pinpoint cross from James Rodríguez.
With the match hanging in the balance and time winding down, Vinícius Júnior broke Colombian hearts. Deep into stoppage time, the Real Madrid forward latched onto a precise delivery from Raphinha to fire home the winner, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Brazil's attacking flair and clinical edge ultimately proved decisive in a game showcasing South American football's intensity at its finest.
