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Colombia handed Brazil coach Dunga his first defeat since taking over as manager in July 2014, Dunga’s Brazil side had a 100% win percentage with an impressive defensive record, only conceding 3 goals in his spell as manager to date. Colombia frustrated Brazil throughout and targeted Brazil’s captain and star player Neymar, and he showed his frustration as he was sent off at the final whistle for a alleged headbutt on Pablo Armero, Brazil will now likely be missing the Barcelona superstar in the quarter finals, and could potentially face a longer suspension which could result in Brazil being without Neymar for the final if they manage to get there; the decision on Neymar’s punishment will be decided on Thursday.
Colombia attacked with intent from the start of the game, putting Brazil under pressure early on as Juan Cuadrado playing a key role in the dangerous attacks with some good delivers into the box, forcing Thiago Silva into some early clearances. Brazil grew into the game, but Colombia continued to target Neymar with physical challenges, forcing him to complain to the referee about his treatment.
Early fouls from both sides were a solid indicator that there would be a red card in the game as the tempers of both sides were showing, controversially in the 20th minute Teo Gutierrez received the first yellow card of the game after a foul on Dani Alves, however, that was not after some arguments between the players and the officials as the referee had originally handed out the card to Pablo Armero and not Gutierrez.
In the first half there was a lack of goal-mouth action as Colombia looked to be staying tight and hitting Brazil on the counter attack, Pekerman’s game plan nearly paid off on a couple of occasions but Radamel Falcao failed to hit the target to finish off the fast paced counters.
Colombia eventually found the back of net, Juan Cuadrado involved once again as his deliver from a free kick managed to land at the feet of Jeison Murillo, the young defender lashing home from 10 yards to score his first international goal for his country and putting them in front in a must win game. Colombia had a good chance to double their lead before half time as a nice flick on from Teo Gutierrez found Juan Cuadrado who dragged his effort slightly wide.
Brazil came extremely close to equalizing right on half time as Dani Alves got beyond the defense and found Neymar with a cross, but Neymar’s header was brilliantly denied by David Ospina, despite the effort being right at him, the Arsenal goalkeeper had a lot to do to deny Neymar from leveling for his side from close range. Neymar was booked for trying to hand ball the rebound from the save from Ospina into the goal. A well deserved lead for Colombia; whose game plan was working effectively at half time.
Early in the second half Neymar was beginning to show signs of frustration as he punched the ball due to another decision going against him. Neymar had the first clear chance of the second half as he raced through on goal but failed to direct his effort on target and dragged his attempt wide. At the other end, Cuadrado came close once again, his effort flashing past the post from distance.
The best chance of the game fell to Roberto Firmino, the forward failed to find the equalizer for Brazil despite the goal gaping, David Ospina was put in trouble from a short back pass and his off balance clearance could only find Firmino who managed to sail his effort over the bar, a massive let off for Colombia who nearly shot themselves in the foot because of poor concentration at the back. Roberto Firmino also had an another opportunity to equalize for Brazil, but he failed to direct his header towards goal from a cross from Robinho.
Colombia started to sit back and protect the lead they had and playing on the counter attack, James Rodriguez came close to doubling the lead for his side with a spectacular effort after a powerful run, his effort just missed the target.
After the final whistle, Brazil showed their frustration as the player began to argue with the Colombian players, Neymar got into a scuffle with Pablo Armero, eventually throwing a headbutt which resulted in a red card for the winger. Carlos Bacca reacted as he pushed Neymar which also resulted in the Sevilla striker being dismissed. An unsavory way to end the game after a really good display from Colombia who are now on course for qualification to the quarter finals after picking up a vital victory against Brazil; their first victory over Selecao in 24 years. This leaves Brazil facing a crunch game with Venezuela without their star player Neymar, a tougher task than anticipated as Venezuela put in one of the performances of the competition in their last outing; defeating Colombia 1-0.
