Over 70,000 fans packed the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasília on March 20, 2025, to witness an exhilarating clash between Brazil and Colombia in the 13th round of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The match saw Brazil clinch a hard-fought 2-1 victory, propelled by a crucial injury-time goal from Vinicius Júnior.
The Brazilian squad, led by coach Dorival Júnior, kicked off the match with a burst of energy, quickly taking control. Just three minutes into the match, Vinicius Júnior was fouled in the box by Colombian defender Muñoz, leading to a penalty. Raphinha stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick, giving Brazil an early lead.
Colombia, however, was not to be outdone. In the 40th minute, Luis Díaz found space to capitalize on a defensive lapse, scoring the equalizer with a precise cross into the net that beat Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson.
As the match progressed into the second half, Dorival made strategic substitutions to enhance his team’s attacking prowess. Matheus Cunha was replaced by João Pedro, and fresh legs in the form of Wesley, midfielder André, and striker Savinho were introduced. These changes reinvigorated Brazil's offense, particularly down the right flank, where Savinho and Wesley linked up effectively to create multiple scoring chances.
Despite Colombia's attempts to solidify its defense and control the pace of the game, Brazil pushed hard for a winning goal. With minutes ticking away and the match seemingly headed for a draw, Vinicius Júnior emerged as the game’s hero. He seized an opportunity in midfield, struck a powerful shot that deflected off Colombian midfielder Lerma, and sailed past goalkeeper Vargas, sealing the victory for Brazil in the dying moments of the match.
With this win, Brazil ascended to second place in the qualifying standings with 21 points, narrowly trailing Argentina, who will be their next opponents. The highly anticipated match against Argentina is set for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium in Buenos Aires.
While the victory was celebrated, it came at a cost. Alisson, Brazil's key goalkeeper, collided with Colombian defender Sánchez during the second half and had to be substituted for Bento due to a suspected concussion. Alisson was reported to have suffered a head trauma and will undergo a series of medical evaluations, including a CT scan and an MRI, as explained by the team’s doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar. Lasmar confirmed, “Alisson suffered a trauma to the head region. He will pass through necessary imaging tests. If all results are normal, we will proceed to a cognitive test.”
Additionally, midfielder Gerson left the match early in the first half due to a problem in his left thigh, being replaced by Joelinton. Lasmar stated, “Gerson came out complaining of pain in his left thigh and will undergo imaging exams to assess the injury further.”
The medical evaluations of both players will determine their availability for the upcoming match against Argentina, which promises to be a crucial test as Brazil strives to solidify its position in the qualifiers.
This thrilling encounter not only showcased Brazil’s determination and resilience on the field but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of football, where every minute can change the outcome. As the Brazilian fans left the stadium buzzing with excitement, their team’s next challenge looms large against Argentina, a match that could further define their World Cup aspirations.
