It's absolute heartbreak for Colombia as Brazil steals a controversial 2-1 win.

Luis Diaz's stunning opening goal saw Colombia take the lead in the 10th minute. Brazil had a large share of possession but struggled to erase the deficit as Colombia held on dggedly. Brazil's attack was rather tame in the first half and Colombia went into the interval with the lead.

However, Brazil came out all guns blazing in the second half and Roberto Firmino's arrival added some much-needed creative spark. Neymar came close to scoring in the 66th minute when he rounded the 'keeper and had the goal at his mercy, but only managed to hit the post. Colombia continued to remain compact in defence but was undone in the 78th minute in controversial circumstances.

The ball had struck the referee, Nestor Pitana, and he seemed like he was going to blow his whistle before he let play go on and Brazil went on to score. The Colombian defence, expecting the referee to blow the whistle, momentarily shut down and Lodi whipped in across that Firmino duly converted. The Colombians were extremely unhappy with the referee's decision, which was upheld by a VAR check, and had a lengthy heated argument that didn't affect the scoreline.

The game then started to boil over with fouls all across the pitch and multiple bookings and 10 minutes were added on. Brazil attacked relentlessly and it paid off in the 100th minute of play as Casemiro netted the winner with a fine header off Neymar's cross to seal the tie. The Colombians had no excuse on this occasion as the defence simply failed to do its job and an unmarked Casemiro made he most of the chance.

The result sees Brazil claim its third win on the trot to top Group B with nine points from three games, while Colombia stays second with four points from as four games. Colombia's chances of making it to the next round will depend on how the other games play out.

Source: The Hindu

BDST: 1150 HRS, JUN 24, 2021
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