In a highly anticipated World Cup qualifying clash, Brazil faced Colombia at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on March 20, 2025. The stakes were high for both teams, yet Brazil was significantly challenged by the absence of star player Neymar due to injury.
Neymar had aimed to return to the national team after a lengthy recovery from a tear in his ACL, which he sustained during a match against Uruguay in October 2023. Unfortunately, just prior to the match, he was ruled out due to muscle discomfort he experienced before the Paulista Championship semifinal between Santos and Corinthians. The 33-year-old expressed his disappointment in an Instagram post: "It seemed like the return was close, but unfortunately, I will not be able to wear the heaviest jersey in the world right now." He further explained, "We had long conversations, and everyone knows how much I wanted to return, but we reached a consensus and decided not to risk it."
Despite the setback, Brazil approached the match with optimism, having gone unbeaten in their last four qualifiers, albeit with two draws. The team, currently placed fifth in the standings with 18 points, was one point behind Colombia, making the match crucial for both teams as they sought to secure their spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In Neymar's absence, head coach Dorival Junior explored several team formations. The Brazilian coach hinted at tactical changes by trying out young talent Savinho along with established players like Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior. He articulated his strategy during a press conference, stating, "I am trying to keep players in the position they play at the clubs since the start, and I make changes according to what rivals bring." With Neymar's iconic No. 10 jersey up for grabs, it was Rodrygo who ultimately donned it, having recently showcased his talents at Real Madrid with 12 goals and 8 assists this season.
As the match drew near, all eyes remained on Brazil's potential new stars. Vinicius Junior, who won The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, was under scrutiny as he had yet to score in the qualifiers despite a successful club season with 29 goal involvements. Raphinha, meanwhile, had emerged as a frontrunner having tallied 45 goal involvements across all competitions, yet one wonders if it would translate to success on the international stage.
While Brazil grappled with their internal changes, Colombia's pressure and performance also loomed large. The Colombian side was determined to capitalize on Brazil's woes, making for an intense matchup. Their own standing in the qualifiers meant this match could be decisive in their hunt for World Cup qualification.
Following a tightly contested game, the players faced the reality that every match counts more than ever. It's not just about securing wins but also protecting players from being suspended in future critical games, especially with Brazil's impending clash against Argentina looming on March 25. This adds an additional layer of intricacy to the strategy as players understand the potential consequences of yellow cards acquired in the current match.
The stakes were notably heightened with Lionel Messi also sidelined due to his own injury woes this week, bringing even more attention to the absence of star players in the South American qualifiers. Fans looked toward this game as not only an opportunity to see new talents emerge but also as an emblematic moment for the evolving landscape of the Brazilian national squad.
While Brazil's last encounter with Argentina ended in a 1-0 loss at the Maracana, both teams' current predicaments provide a backdrop for a much-anticipated rematch, especially with both nations facing unique challenges. The next match will surely be a litmus test for the depth and resilience of Brazil, testing how they adapt their play style to overcome missing key players.
As Brazil contemplates its future in the World Cup qualifying campaign, it becomes clear that this period marks a turning point. With Neymar's experience vacated, Brazil's approach could dictate their trajectory within the qualification rounds.
Looking ahead, Brazil is set for crucial matches not just against Colombia but also with Argentina and Ecuador later in June. For fans, this isn't just about the present but about whom the future stars will be. The matches provide a platform for players like Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Vinicius Junior to solidify their roles as the face of a new era for Brazil football.
Ultimately, this World Cup qualifying campaign remains a high-stakes balancing act between nurturing emerging talents and maintaining competitive edge—highlighted poignantly by Neymar's absence and the ramifications it holds for Brazil's aspirations.
