Daniel Muñoz scored the equalizer in first-half stoppage time, helping Colombia secure a 1-1 draw against Brazil in the Copa America, extending their unbeaten streak to 27 games. This result allowed Colombia to top their first-round group.
Colombia’s goalkeeper, Camilo Vargas, was crucial, making a vital save in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time against Brazil’s Andreas Pereira. Colombia will now face Panama in the quarterfinals in Glendale, Arizona, while Brazil has a tougher matchup against Uruguay in Las Vegas.
Despite Brazil’s early lead, thanks to Raphinha’s stunning left-footed free kick in the 12th minute, Colombia managed to claw back. Raphinha celebrated enthusiastically as the seasoned Seleção struck first on a scorching evening at Levi’s Stadium, home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.
The match, which lived up to its billing as a tense, physical encounter, saw five yellow cards and was played in front of a packed crowd, with fans from both countries filling the seats despite delays caused by overheated scanning equipment. The Bay Area’s excessive heat warning was evident, with temperatures reaching 98 degrees at kickoff.
Colombia extends unbeaten streak to 27
Colombia’s James Rodríguez had an early chance in the eighth minute, hitting the bar with a left-footed free kick from outside the penalty area. He also had another shot in the 16th minute that went high. Rodríguez, who has three assists in the tournament, turns 33 on July 12.
Colombia’s back-to-back scoring chances in the 84th minute went unconverted, but they managed to hold Brazil off. The Brazilian team, usually championship contenders, now faces a more challenging path without a win against Colombia. Brazil, having won the Copa America nine times and been runner-up in 2021, has to regroup quickly.
Reflecting on the match, Brazil’s coach acknowledged the team’s performance: “We showed glimpses of our quality, but Colombia’s physical approach made it difficult for us to fully impose our game.” In contrast, Colombia’s coach praised his team’s resilience: “The players showed great character, and our tactical discipline allowed us to earn a valuable point and finish on top of the group.”
This result keeps Colombia’s impressive run going, including a 5-1 victory against the U.S. in a pre-tournament friendly. They beat Brazil 2-1 last year in the South American qualifiers, building on their rivalry from 2021 when Brazil won 2-1 in the Copa America.