Vinicius Junior Nets Last-Gasp Goal to Secure Dramatic Victory for Brazil Over Colombia

Brazil secured their first victory in three matches, edging closer to solidifying their spot in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, thanks to a 2-1 triumph over Colombia in Brasilia.

The hosts made an electric start as Vinicius Junior was fouled in the penalty area just four minutes into the match, with Raphinha confidently converting the ensuing penalty by driving the ball into the bottom-left corner.

Rodrygo nearly extended the Selecao’s lead before the 15-minute mark when he cut in from the right wing and sent a shot just inches past the goalpost.

After a largely uneventful first half, it appeared that Brazil would carry their one-goal advantage into the break. However, Colombia responded in the 41st minute during a play reminiscent of an all-Merseyside clash.

In a rapid counter, former Everton player James Rodriguez found Luis Diaz inside the area, and the Liverpool forward expertly rifled the ball into the far corner past his compatriot Alisson, drawing the teams level before half-time.

Upon the second half’s commencement, Brazil had the first clear-cut chance as Raphinha unleashed a long-range shot which was parried by Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, who had to react quickly to deny Vinicius from the follow-up.

Colombia believed they had turned the game on its head just after the hour mark when Alisson struggled to deal with a corner, resulting in the ball crossing the goal line, only for the effort to be disallowed due to an offside infringement.

Alisson later required medical attention after colliding with Davinson Sanchez while attempting to secure another set piece, leading to a lengthy stoppage and Sanchez being stretchered off.

As both sides made changes, the match appeared to drift toward a stalemate.

Nevertheless, Brazil capitalised on an extraordinary 10 minutes of stoppage time, with Vinicius igniting the crowd’s excitement in the 99th minute when his long-range effort deflected into the net.

This victory propels Brazil into second place in the qualifying standings, while Colombia finds themselves in sixth, now six points clear of Bolivia in the play-off zone.