Vinicius Junior’s dramatic stoppage-time goal secured Brazil a 2-1 victory over Colombia in their South American World Cup qualifier on Thursday, keeping them in a strong position for qualification.
The match started with Brazil taking the lead early in the sixth minute when Raphinha converted a penalty after a foul on Vinicius by Daniel Munoz. However, Colombia responded just before halftime with Luis Diaz’s brilliant strike in the 41st minute, leveling the score at 1-1.
Colombia dominated much of the second half, applying pressure, but were unable to break the deadlock. Brazil remained dangerous on the counter, with Guilherme Arana coming close with a shot in the 82nd minute.
The turning point came in the ninth minute of stoppage time, when Vinicius, after a lengthy stoppage due to an injury to Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker, fired in a powerful shot that took a slight deflection and found the back of the net. The goal sealed a dramatic win for Brazil.
In other action, Paraguay defeated Chile 1-0, sending them to the bottom of the table, and Peru overcame Bolivia 3-1, thanks to goals from Andy Polo, Paolo Guerrero, and Edison Flores.
Brazil now sits in second place in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, four points behind Argentina, who will play Uruguay on Friday.
