Brazil 2-1 Colombia: Hosts saved by 99th-minute Vinicius goal

Brazil were saved by a last-minute winner from Vinicius Junior to help them beat Colombia 2-1 at home in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

The result sees Dorival Junior’s side climb to second in the CONMEBOL qualification standings and puts them seven points ahead of seventh-placed Bolivia, while a draw would have had them in sixth.

Brazil had started with plenty of energy and got their reward after just six minutes, when Vinicius was fouled in the penalty area and Raphinha converted the penalty to put them a goal ahead.

From then, the hosts dominated the ball but failed to effectively use it and Colombia’s goal went largely untroubled.

The visitors got themselves level in the 41st minute through Luis Diaz from inside the penalty area after Joelinton had lost the ball close to his own goal.

In the second half, both teams struggled with getting their shots on target and the match looked destined to be rolling towards a draw.

That was until the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time when Vincius picked the ball up halfway into the opposition half and hit an effort, which deflected off Jefferson Lerma and in.

Next up for Brazil is a trip to group leaders Argentina on Tuesday, while Colombia host Paraguay.

The post-Neymar era has arrived. Vinícius, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Endrick… the names are there. But can any of them become Brazil’s next global icon?https://t.co/zW4iamCsLy

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) March 20, 2025

Data debrief: Brazil go five unbeaten

Luis Diaz’s goal was assisted by James Rodriguez, which takes him to five assists in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers – more than any other player.

Raphinha, meanwhile, is Brazil’s top scorer in qualifying with five goals.

The Selecao are also now unbeaten in their last five World Cup qualifiers, which is their longest run without defeat since October 2023.