Brazil at Colombia, World Cup Qualifiers: Final Score 1-1, Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus frustrated in Brazil draw

Brazil dropped points in the World Cup Qualifiers for the first time since new manager Tite took over in 2016. It was a hard-fought match against a good Colombia side that finished with a 1-1 draw, and even though Manchester City’s Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus tried their hardest, they couldn’t get a 10th consecutive victory for the Seleção. Brazil are already in the World Cup and have first place guaranteed, so this draw is not a big deal.

FIRST HALF

Because of the high temperature and humidity, the game was contested at a very slow pace, with both teams looking to manage their fitness and not make forward runs all the time. Brazil had most of the possession but lacked accuracy in the final third, while Colombia were threatening only on set pieces.

We looked set for a boring 0-0 draw as we approached halftime, but a beautiful piece of quality came from the visitors with a few seconds left: Chelsea midfielder Willian scored a simply sensational goal from outside the box with a volley to the top corner, and Brazil went into the half with the lead.

SECOND HALF

Colombia badly needed a win to stay in a good position as they chase for automatic qualification and they pressured Brazil at the start of the second half, with James Rodríguez hitting the post from a free kick in the most dangerous chance of the game for Colombia. The hosts’ pressure finally gave them a goal when Radamel Falcao headed home a cross from the right side and scored the equalizer.

Brazil manager Tite responded to the goal with Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho coming off the bench to try and regain control of the game and find the winner. Brazil did keep more of the ball and looked a lot better with the two substitutes, but were unable to truly test David Ospina.

The final minutes were a bit up and down with both teams counter attacking each other, but no goals were scored and we ended with a deserved draw in what was an enjoyable match.

Brazil: Alisson; Dani Alves, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva (Rodrigo Caio), Filipe Luís; Fernandinho; Willian, Paulinho, Renato Augusto (Coutinho), Neymar; Firmino (Gabriel Jesus)

Goal: Willian (45’+2)

Colombia: Ospina; Arias, Zapata, Sánchez, Fabra (Tesillo); Aguilar, Sánchez; Cuadrado (Chará), James, Cardona (Teo Gutiérrez); Falcao

Goal: Falcao (56’)