Brazil made it three wins out of three in the group stage of the Copa America with a last-minute victory over Colombia on Wednesday night.
Brazil and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro nodded home the winner in the 10th and final minute of stoppage time in an entertaining game that saw Colombia take the lead early on.
Luis Diaz opened the scoring for the visitors with a stunning acrobatic kick after 10 minutes to push Brazil on the back foot.
However, it was Brazil that dominated after that but failed to convert any of their chances. Neymar hit the post and the Brazilians could not find a way past a rugged Colombian defence.
Controversy the biggest talking point
Then controversy struck. The ball hit the referee but he allowed play to go on as Brazil themselves had the ball. Some of the Colombians had stopped playing and that led to the Brazilians finding the equaliser thanks to a header by Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino in the 78th minute.
There were massive protests from the Colombian players who were absolutely fuming. The new rule states that if the ball hits the referee then the play is dead.
The referee is then supposed to resume the game with a dropped ball from the spot where he came in contact with the ball.
As per the new rules, play should not have been continued and it should have been called back. However, VAR did not reverse the decision and the goal stood, which questions the integrity of the same and also the rules.
Brazil record unblemished
Nevertheless, take nothing away from Brazil who deserved the equaliser. Renan Lodi’s cross to pick out Firmino was inch-perfect but Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina could have done better with the save.
Ospina is now tied as Colombia’s most-capped player and could officially hold the new record as they await the results of the final two games to be played in Group B of the 2021 CONMEBOL Copa America.
Coming back to the game, there were an astonishing 10 minutes of added time at the end of the 90 minutes and Brazil needed all 10 of them to find the winner.
Neymar put in an inviting cross that an unmarked Casemiro latched onto to head home the winner.
Brazil now have won all three of their games and will want to continue their perfect record going into their final group game against Ecuador on Sunday.
Group B goes into the final day
It is no surprise that the defending champions (and hosts) are the leaders of Group B with a perfect record and 9 points. Colombia are second and managed to finish with 4 points from their four games.
Peru also have 4 points and can leapfrog Colombia with a draw or win against Venezuela who are at the bottom with just 2 points.
Ecuador will go through regardless of their result against Brazil in the final game as long as Venezuela lose to Peru.
Things are still open going into the final matchday of Group B at the 2021 Copa America.