The South American World Cup qualifiers kicked into high gear on March 20, 2025, as Brazil took on Colombia at the Arena BRB Mané Garrincha in Brasília, Brazil. The stakes were high for both teams, with Colombia looking to strengthen its position in the standings, and Brazil seeking to claw its way out of fifth place. Kickoff was set for 7:45 p.m.
Colombia entered the pitch hoping to break its historical streak of never having won a Mundial qualifying match in Brazil. Head coach Néstor Lorenzo named a determined squad, setting forth a starting lineup featuring Camilo Vargas, Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, and Jhon Córdoba.
This matchup marked the 13th round of qualifying for the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With Brazil currently in fifth place, the team found itself in an unusual position, as observers noted the Brazilians were accustomed to vying for the top spots in past qualifiers.
The match started quickly with Brazil seizing control. In the fifth minute, Raphinha successfully converted a penalty, awarded following a foul by Daniel Muñoz on Vinicius Jr., putting Brazil ahead 1-0. A jubilant Brazilian crowd erupted in the stadium, highlighting their team’s initial dominance.
However, Colombia responded with resilience. By the 40th minute, Luis Díaz leveled the score at 1-1, finding the back of the net with a well-placed shot after receiving a brilliant pass from James Rodríguez. This goal came as Colombia gained momentum and began to assert its presence in the match.
The Brazilian defense struggled at times, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker forced into action multiple times, particularly against attempts from Richard Ríos and Jhon Córdoba. Alisson notably made impressive saves, denying Ríos from close range while also thwarting a close shot from Vinicius Jr. Colombia's goalkeeper, Vargas, similarly faced challenges, especially in the second half as Brazil ramped up its offensive pressure.
Throughout the match, Colombia’s players showed remarkable tactical discipline and determination. However, Colombia was not without its issues; Richard Ríos received a yellow card for a foul, adding to the overall tension on the field. As the match progressed, both teams exchanged chances, with Brazil struggling to convert possible opportunities while Colombia attempted to exploit counter-attack situations.
After the halftime whistle, the intensity continued, with each side eager to gain the upper hand. Colombia aimed to hold on to their away goal, while Brazil sought to reclaim their lead. Substitutions were made, including Gerson leaving the pitch due to injury with Joelinton taking his place.
As the clock ticked down, both teams found themselves fighting for the all-important three points in the standings. Despite opportunities from both sides and a couple of disallowed goals due to fouls, the final score remained stagnant at 1-1, much to the relief of Colombia, who maintained their position in the qualification race.
Colombia now stands with 20 points, while Brazil trails closely behind. This match serves as a critical juncture for both teams as they aim for qualification to the World Cup. Looking ahead, Colombia must contend with Paraguay in their next matchup, while Brazil will seek to reclaim their form in the rounds to come.
In the aftermath, head coach Dorival Junior of Brazil acknowledged the challenges faced during the qualification process, particularly emphasizing the quality of Colombia’s play, especially with key players such as James Rodríguez leading the charge. Meanwhile, Néstor Lorenzo expressed confidence in his squad, urging them to play with bravery against formidable opponents.
As both teams look forward to the remaining matches in the qualifiers, the stakes remain high. Every point gained or lost will be crucial in determining which teams secure a place in the highly competitive World Cup tournament. The path to qualification remains uncertain, but the encounters between powerful teams like Brazil and Colombia guarantee thrilling football ahead.
