Brazil player ratings vs Colombia: Raphinha rescues stagnant Selecao, but Vinicius Jr shockingly suspended for Copa America knockouts
A silly foul from Vini has the Selecao taking two steps backward, despite advancing to the knockout stages of Copa America
In tournament soccer, all that truly matters is the result. It can be ugly, it can be physical and it can be uneventful – but if you get a result, all usually turns up positive.
That sums up Brazil’s Copa America 2024 thus far. It’s been less-than-beautiful, but they’ve gotten the job done. They’re through to the knockout round of the tournament, securing a dance with Uruguay in the quarterfinals.
Colombia, meanwhile, remain simply sensational. They are playing some of the best soccer across all teams competing in Copa America. James Rodriguez clearly spoke with Father Time and they made a deal that the 2016 version of the player at Real Madrid would be allowed to feature during this tournament.
And there’s zero reason as to why they shouldn’t be seen as favorites to claim the title at this point – that’s what happens with you go 26 straight matches unbeaten.
Brazil and Colombia battled to a 1-1 draw Tuesday night in the final group stage match, with a rather sensational direct free kick from Raphinha rescuing the Selecao a point. The Barcelona winger opened the scoring just 12 minutes into the tie, but Brazil stagnated for the following 78 minutes of the match.
Los Cafeteros equalized just before the halftime whistle, and that told the story. With the victory, Colombia topped the group, and Brazil secured second place, with both teams advancing further in the tournament.
The match didn’t come without setbacks, though. Most importantly, the Selecao will be without superstar attacker Vinicius Jr against La Celeste in the quarterfinals. The Real Madrid winger picked up his second yellow card of the group stage, and as a result, will be suspended for accumulation.
Midfielders Bruno Guimares and Joao Gomes also found themselves picking up yellows, with a match that had a total of 33 () fouls.
Hey, It doesn’t need to be pretty. Both jobs are done done, Brazil have advanced, as have Colombia. Time to focus on the knockouts.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson (6/10):
Will be frustrated to have been beaten by a free kick, but it was a sensational hit. Not much he could do.
Danilo (6/10):
Continues to underwhelm in transition, but was defensively sound.
Marquinhos (7/10):
Vintage performance from the Selecao veteran. Was untouchable defensively on the ball and a wall on the back line.
Eder Militao (6/10):
Did his job, but didn’t truly stand out. Not a bad showing by any means, though.
Wendell (6/10):
Often found himself on the wrong end of a pass. Not a great showing.
Midfield
Bruno Guimares (7/10):
Solid as usual in the center of the pitch. Ran the show, but picked up an uncvessary yellow.
Joao Gomes (6/10):
Continues to impress and show why Dorival is selecting him ahead of others. Sloppy yellow in the first half, though.
Lucas Paqueta (4/10):
Subbed off at halftime. Completely ineffective.
Attack
Raphinha (8/10):
Stunning free kick and a menace all evening. Showed why he deserves to be in the XI.
Rodrygo (5/10):
Once again: not a striker, stop playing him there. Not a good showing, but he’s out of position. Same thing, different match.
Vinicius Jr. (5/10):
Suspended for the quarterfinals vs Uruguay after picking up his second yellow of the tournament. Sloppy from their leader. Could be a significant blow.
Subs & Manager
Savio (6/10):
Didn’t bring that spark like he did on matchday one.
Ederson (6/10):
Made his Selecao debut in the tournament. Congrats to the kid, but he didn’t bring much to the pitch.
Andreas Pereiera (5/10):
Did absolutely nothing to help them in the second half.
Endrick (N/A):
Subbed on late.
Dorival Junior (5/10):
It was fine. Set pieces can truly win you games, and Raphinha’s free kick was sensational. However, their attack was once again lifeless beyond that moment. Just disappointing with the amount of talent they have.