BRAZIL ADVANCE TO QUARTER-FINAL OF COPA AMERICA WITHOUT KEY STAR
2 min read
Colombia fought teeth and nail to ensure that they secure a first spot in group D, where they were participating with Brazil, Costa-Rica and Paraguay. While Brazil managed to secure second spot after their 1-1 draw against Colombia, in their last group stage match on Tuesday Evening.
Brazil took the lead through Barcelona star Raphinha on the 12th minutes from free-kick at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Califonia, While Colombia netted the equalizer through Daniel Munoz in first half stoppage time.
After securing first spot, Colombia will face runners-up of group C Panama on Saturday at Glendale, Arizona and on the other side the Selecao boys Brazil will be up against arch-rival Uruguay winners of group C on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Fixtures and Time for 2024 Copa America quarter-finals(SA times)
Friday, 5 July
Argentina v Ecuador> 03:00
Saturday, 6 July
Venezuela v Canada> 03:00
Sunday, 7 July
Colombia v Panama> 03:00
Uruguay v Brazil> 03:00
Brazil goalscorer Raphinha believes that his team mates will be well prepared when facing Urugauy on sunday
R” Our team is evolving with each game, with each training session and we we think we’re on the right track, Unfortunately it wasn’t the result we wanted and it wasn’t the position that we wanted to qualify for the quarter-finals in.”
” But whoever wants to be champion shouldn’t be worrying about who they play in the next; we have to be prepared for anyone. If we want to win this competition we have to be prepared to play our best.” Raphinha said
Brazil will face Uruguay without the service of Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr, who picked up his second yellow card of the tournament for a reckless early foul on James Rodriguez on Tuesday. Colombia playmaker Rodriguez had alarm bells ringing amongst Brazil fans from the ensuing free-kick just hitting the cross bar of Alisson.
Colombia now have gone 26 international games unbeaten since a defeat to Argentina in early 2022 and they were looking comfortable through the second half and could have snatched the victory in the final minutes from substitute Rafael Borre, who shoot over the goal from eight yards.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
