Columbia Takes Advantage, Wins Over Brazil As Neymar Gets Red Card

Colombia took advantage of Neymar's Brazil and defeated the five-time world champtions, 1-0 to keep their quarterfinal chances at hand in the Copa America in Chile.

Neymar was sent off after getting a red card at the final whistle due to an ugly commotion involving players of both teams, wherein he appeared to aim a headbutt at Colombia’s Jeison Murillo.

Colombia striker Carlos Bacca, who whas upset about Neymar’s headbutt to teammate Murillo, shoved the Brazilian superstar and was also shown a red card.

Neymar got a yellow card earlier in the match after the ball touched his hands off a rebound from his close-range header attempt in the 44th mark, which Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina saved to keep his team ahead in the game.

It was Neymar’s second yellow card in the tournament, which ensures him to be suspended and miss the final group match. He got the first yellow in the game against Peru when he led the Brazil to a come-from-behind 2-1 win.

A win by Brazil could have secured them of a quarterfinals spot, but thanks to a resilient Colombian squad they will instead face a tough Venezuela team on Sunday to see if they can advance.

“Colombia showed that it’s a team that has matured, that can play these types of matches,” Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said.

Murillo scored the winning goal of the game at the 36th minute mark off a free kick cross Brazil’s area and hurled the loose ball for a low kick that went through the legs of Brazilian goalkeeper Thiago Silva.

Brazil got the a perfect chance to tie the game in the 58th when Murillo turned it over to striker Robert Firmino inside the area, but the forward failed to convert sending his shot over the crossbar.

“Colombia showed that it is a very experienced team. Our Players at times got caught in their provocations and forgot to play football. Brazil has to play football. Brazil can’t go to war, we have to focus on what we do best, which is play football,” Brazil coach Dunga, who believes his team can survive Sunday’s match without Neymar, said in a report.

Colombia’s win gave them a total of three points and is now tied atop of Group C with Brazil and Venezuela. The win also ended its 24-year losing drought against the five-time world champions.

Brazil eliminated Colombia in the quarterfinals of last year’s World Cup, but was then humiliated by Germany in a 7-1 semifinals loss.