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Vinícius Jr. Strikes Late as Brazil Edges Colombia in World Cup Qualifier

Brazil reignited their World Cup qualifying campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Colombia, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Vinícius Júnior. After two successive draws against Venezuela and Uruguay, the Seleção needed a spark—and their Real Madrid star delivered under pressure.

The match, held on Thursday evening during the 13th round of the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, started off with intensity. Barcelona winger Raphinha gave Brazil an early lead in the 6th minute, converting a penalty he earned after being brought down by Colombia’s Daniel Muñoz. His cool finish sent Vargas the wrong way, setting the tone for Brazil’s aggressive approach.

Colombia responded before halftime through Liverpool forward Luis Díaz, who capitalized on a sharp assist from James Rodríguez to slot the ball past Alisson with a low-driven shot in the 41st minute. The goal highlighted Colombia’s resilience, keeping them in contention throughout the fiercely contested clash.

Just when the game appeared to be heading for a draw, Vinícius Jr. stunned the visitors with a sensational long-range strike in the 9th minute of stoppage time, leaving Vargas with no chance. The goal not only secured the win but reasserted Vinícius’s growing leadership within the national squad.

With this victory, Brazil moved up to 21 points from 13 matches, temporarily climbing to second place in the standings, just four points behind Argentina, who still have a game in hand. Colombia, meanwhile, sits in sixth place with 19 points after four losses, five wins, and four draws, still within qualification range but under pressure.

As the top six teams in the South American table qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, every point is crucial. The seventh-placed team will enter an intercontinental playoff.

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