Things had started badly for the Seleçao who, after being unable to score against Costa Rica in the opening of the competition (0-0), began to tremble when Lucas Paqueta sent a penalty to the right of the opposing goal (32nd). But Brazil ended up reassuring itself with a victory against Paraguay (4-1) for its second match of the Copa America, Friday in Las Vegas (Nevada, United States). Enough to bring it closer to the quarter-finals.
Fortunately for Marquinhos’ teammates, their star striker, Vinicius, recent winner of the Champions League with Real Madrid, saved them from knots in the brain by concluding a superb collective movement alone against the goalkeeper (35th) that he had initiated , with relays inspired by former Lyon players Bruno Guimaraes and Paqueta. The same Guimaraes again stood out with a heavy hit on the bar (43rd). Continuing the action, Girona striker Savio (20) followed another shot saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Rodrigo Acosta to score his first senior international goal. A scuffle at the end of the first period was followed by a new goal from Vinicius (45th + 4), taking advantage of a ball messed up by a defender.
Vinicius criticises refereeing and quality of pitches
Brazil saw Paraguay come back to 3-1 after the break with a superb strike from Omar Adelete from 25 meters after a chest control. But, not put off by his first missed attempt, Paqueta scored from a second penalty (65th), provoking the joy in the stands of Neymar, injured and not selected for the competition. And above all definitively depriving the opponents of the evening of the sweet dream of returning to the match.
Vinicius greeted “a great match” from Brazil, and criticized the organization of the competition, which takes place in the United States. “The Copa America is always complicated, between the quality of the pitches, the referees and the way Conmebol treats us“, he said without going into details. Thanks to this success, Brazil is 2nd in Group D with 4 points, behind Colombia (6 points), winner of Costa Rica (3-0) earlier in the day and therefore qualified for the quarter-finals.
The Seleçao will have the chance to finish top of the group if they beat Colombia on Tuesday in Santa Clara (California), while a draw would ensure they qualify for the quarter-finals, which they have a good chance of achieving even if they lose, given their very favourable goal difference with Costa Rica.
Colombia crushes Costa Rica and secures its ticket to the quarter-finals
Colombia, led by James Rodriguez, who once again provided the assist, largely dominated Costa Rica (3-0) on Friday in Glendale (Arizona, United States), thus qualifying for the quarter-finals of the competition. Having already beaten Paraguay (2-1) in its first match, Colombia had no trouble following up against Costa Rica, who had forced Brazil to a draw (0-0).
A failed exit from the “ticos” goalkeeper, Patrick Sequeira, gave the Colombians a penalty in the first half, transformed by Liverpool striker Luis Diaz (31st). Defender Davinson Sanchez headed in a corner from Jhon Arias (59th), just before the third goal from Jhon Cordoba (62nd), who went deep on the edge of offside on a delicious pass from James Rodriguez in one touch. The former Real Madrid and Monaco player had already distinguished himself with two assists during the inaugural match of the “cafeteros”.
Colombia will face Brazil without pressure on Tuesday in Santa Clara (California) for its last group match.
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