Brazil failed to overtake their rivals as they drew 1-1 with Colombia in the final round of Group D action at the Copa América on Wednesday. If Brazil advances to the second place in the group, they will meet Uruguay in the next round. Although the "Samba Army" has already won three matches this year, they have only won one, which makes them a bit short of momentum. With wing forward Yannis Ozturia out due to suspension, an early exit from the last eight is not out of the question.
Colombia has won both of its matches before the tournament and is a lock to qualify early. Brazil and Peru will have to win if they want to advance and compete for the top spot to avoid Uruguay.
Eight minutes into the match, Brazil nearly fell behind when Colombian star Shirodiguas was awarded a penalty kick. But the Samba Army defended and turned the game around, and the deadlock was broken in the 12th minute when Rafinha Biloni scored from the penalty spot.
Colombia fought back after falling behind and a header from center-half Dawson Sanchez was ruled out for offside. Sergio Rodriguez was awarded another penalty kick, but Brazilian goalkeeper Alichen Biega parried it away. In first-half stoppage time, Colombia's Crystal Palace right-hander Daniel Montrose equalized to make it 1-1.
The teams continued to battle in the second half. Colombia, with two wins and a draw, will advance to the top of the group and will go to Panama. Brazil will face Uruguay, the top team in Group C. The situation is even tougher. Brazil's situation is further aggravated by the fact that Vinz Oszulia has been suspended for two consecutive yellow card matches.
Uruguay are tied with Argentina for the CONCACAF title 15 times in historical meetings and are in far better form than Brazil with all three wins so far.
In the other Group D match, Costa Rica celebrated a 2-1 victory over Paraguay, but were still eliminated from the tournament along with Paraguay, who lost all their matches.
