Vinicius Júnior’s last-gasp goal clinched a crucial 2-1 victory for Brazil over Colombia during their World Cup qualifying match on Thursday. The dramatic finish raised Brazil to second place in the South American standings, trailing only Argentina. A tie would have placed Brazil sixth, causing frustration for fans and players alike. Vinicius Júnior’s decisive long-range goal relieved mounting pressure on Brazil’s coach Dorival Júnior as they anticipate their upcoming clash against Argentina.
With Argentina comfortably leading the standings with 25 points from 12 matches, Brazil trails behind at 21 points from 13 games, though still eyeing a guaranteed spot at the World Cup next year in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Historically, Brazil has never missed a World Cup, and this victory bolsters their qualifying campaign. Argentina, absent their talisman Lionel Messi, is set to face Uruguay before the highly anticipated meeting with Brazil. Their last encounter ended in a narrow 1-0 win for Argentina at the Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, in 2023.
The Brazilian squad will miss midfield dynamo Bruno Guimarães and solid defender Gabriel Magalhães against Argentina due to suspensions from yellow cards received during the match against Colombia. Meanwhile, Colombia is scheduled to play Paraguay on the same upcoming Tuesday.
Brazil’s game showcased a rejuvenated team playing with intensity and skill, hinting at coach Dorival Júnior’s impact on the starting lineup. An early 6th-minute penalty, converted by Raphinha after Vinicius Júnior was fouled, set an aggressive tone. However, Colombia’s equalizer came in the 41st minute via a sharp shot from Luis Diaz. The second half saw missed opportunities by both sides until Vinicius Júnior’s strike, aided by a deflection off Jefferson Lerma, found the back of the net past Colombia’s goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.
“This goal was significant for me and the team,” commented Vinicius Júnior, celebrating his first goal in the current qualifiers, underscoring the immense effort behind the victory.
Elsewhere, Paraguay secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Chile under coach Gustavo Alfaro, continuing their unbeaten streak. With stirring home support in Asuncion, Paraguay dominated much of the gameplay. The win, attributed to a strategic set-piece leading to Omar Alderete’s winning strike, enhances their World Cup prospects. Paraguay currently holds 20 points and sits in fourth place, while Chile languishes at the bottom with nine points.
Additionally, Peru triumphed over Bolivia with a 3-1 scoreline. Key performances included Andy Polo’s opener, Paolo Guerrero’s follow-up goal, and Edison Flores sealing the match. Despite Bolivia’s goal by Miguel Terceros via penalty, they remain 13 points in seventh place, with ongoing hopes of reaching inter-continental playoffs.