Vinícius Júnior launches 99th-minute winner to lift Brazil past Colombia
Late strike rescues much-needed 2-1 win for hosts in BrasiliaLuis Díaz earlier cancelled out Raphinha’s early opener for Brazil
A last-gasp Vinícius Júnior strike earned Brazil a hard-fought 2-1 win over Colombia in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday. Vinícius scored the winner nine minutes into added time to rescue a much-needed win for Brazil who appeared destined for a third consecutive 1-1 draw after Luis Díaz cancelled out Raphinha’s early opener for the hosts in capital Brasilia.
The victory lifted Brazil to second in South American qualifying with 21 points, four behind leaders Argentina and one ahead of Uruguay in third, both of whom have a game in hand and will clash on Friday. The top six qualify directly for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the seventh place offering passage via further rounds of qualifiers.
