Hats off to players like Guilherme Arana, Gerson, Vanderson, Bento, Andre, Léo Ortiz, and Joao Pedro, but one thing is clear: many of the players currently representing Brazil wouldn’t have been anywhere near the national team jersey five or six years ago. Brazil has always had one or two players of slightly lesser pedigree on its roster than expected for such a powerhouse, but now that number is significantly higher. Brazil no longer has the dream team it once did, playing an often uninspiring style of football. However tonight they managed to secure a 2-1 (1-1) victory over Colombia in the 13th round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The hero of the night for the Selecao, and perhaps the only reason the Brazilian people still believe in their sixth World Cup title, was Vinicius Junior.WHAT A GOAL VINICIUS IN THE LAST MINUTES OF THE GAME TO WIN THE MATCH FOR BRAZIL 🤯🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/MqvZdcQg0V— Janty (@CFC_Janty) March 21, 2025 The runner-up for the 2024 FIFA Best Player award scored the winning goal in the ninth minute of stoppage time with a long-range shot from about 25 meters. The Real Madrid forward was fortunate as the ball deflected off a Colombian player, changing direction just enough to find the back of the net. Not only did Vinícius score the winner, but he also won the penalty that put Brazil ahead 1-0 in the sixth minute. Crystal Palace and Colombia defender Daniel Munoz was deemed to have fouled the Real Madrid star in the box by Venezuelan referee Herrera. However, it seemed like Vinicius went down a bit too easily, as he often does. Regardless, the penalty was awarded, and one of the top-performing players of the season, Raphinha, confidently converted from the spot.RAPHINHA OPENED THE SCORING FOR BRAZIL 🇧🇷 VS COLOMBIA.. BALLON D’OR LOADING 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WUZP1nyzh4— Goals ⚽ (@Goals360hub) March 21, 2025 Even when Brazil had the lead, they didn’t show much quality, and last year’s Copa America finalists deservedly equalized just before halftime. Luis Díaz demonstrated why he is one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League, beating his Liverpool teammate Alisson with a precise shot from about 14-15 meters in the 41st minute. Brazil was more threatening in the second half, dominating possession, but they failed to create many clear chances until the dying moments. Their best opportunity came in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Guilherme Arana missed a sitter. The former Sevilla player, now at Atlético Mineiro, headed wide from just a meter out, crashing into the post in the process. Fortunately, the 28-year-old escaped serious injury.##NAJAVA_MECA_8796822##While Arana avoided injury, Alisson and Davinson Sanchez were not as lucky. The Brazilian goalkeeper and the Colombian center-back collided heads in the 70th minute, leaving Sanchez with a mild concussion that required him to be rushed to the hospital. Alisson, meanwhile, was left with a visible mark on his forehead but fortunately avoided a concussion. Nevertheless, coach Dorival chose to substitute him as a precaution, bringing on Bento from Al-Nassr. As the match approached its final whistle, Vinícius unleashed a bold strike from nearly 30 meters out, knowing it would be the last action of the game. Fortune favored him as the ball took a deflection off a Colombian defender and found its way into the net, sparking absolute euphoria at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brazil’s capital, Brasília.
