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.
2026 World Cup qualification South America
2-1
Match Report
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.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
6' Raphinha's penalty goal puts hosts in lead! Brazil 1-0 Colombia
11' Foul by Arana as his elbow hits Rios' face
16' Guimaraes is booked yellow for tripping down Arias
27' Gerson is replaced by Joelinton due to injury
41' GOAL! Brazil 1-1 Colombia (Luis Díaz)
55' Vini Jr's effort is blocked by the defender after Raphinha's shot is saved
60' Joao Pedro off, Cunha in
65' Colombia's goal is disallowed as the player fouls for hitting Alisson
75' Davinson Sanchez is subbed off due to injury
78' Alisson is replaced too after hitting his head, Bento on
85' Joelinton's long-range shot is just high
90+9' Vini Jr nets stunner as Raphinha assists! Brazil 2-1 Colombia
Line-ups
Brazil XI: Alisson, Marquinhos, Arana, Gerson, Guimaraes, Raphinha, Gabriel, Vinicius, Rodrygo, João Pedro, Vanderson
Subs: Sandro, Joelinton, Lucas Perri, Léo Ortiz, Matheus Cunha, Bento, André, Savinho, Wesley Vinícius França Lima, Endrick, Murillo, Estêvão
Colombia XI: C. Vargas, James, Córdoba, Mojica, Lerma, Sanchez, Jhon Lucumí, Jhon Arias, Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz, Richard Ríos
Subs: Ospina, J. Quintero, Arias, Mina, Álvaro Montero, Borré, Jorge Carrascal, Cristián Borja, Carlos Cuesta, Juan Portilla, Marino Hinestroza, Kevin Castaño