Brazil Edges Colombia with Late Vinicius Jr Goal

Brazil’s thrilling 2-1 win over Colombia propelled them to second place in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. It all came down to one moment – a Vinicius Jr. shot that deflected off a defender in the 99th minute, securing the victory at Brasília’s Mané Garrincha Stadium.

Imagine a seesaw battle where both teams traded momentum. Brazil’s Raphinha scored on a penalty kick just six minutes in, after Vinícius Jr. was fouled by Muñoz. But Colombia’s Luis Díaz equalized before halftime, capitalizing on a Joelinton mistake.

The Turning Point

Colombia pushed hard in the second half, but a would-be own goal by Joelinton was waved off due to a foul on Alisson. The Brazilian goalkeeper and Davinson Sánchez were forced out with concussions. Then, in the dying seconds, Vinicius Jr. struck gold with a deflected shot that left the Colombian defense stunned.

The takeaway? Brazil’s adaptability and persistence paid off. Their ability to ride the waves of momentum shift ultimately led to the win. It’s a lesson in perseverance – and a reminder that, in sports, the outcome can change in an instant.